A PUPIL-led approach in developing ideas to improve school grounds and a playground has won a £10,000 award.

Kirkby and Great Broughton CE primary school, near Stokesley, has won the award as a result of the Woolworth's Playground Partnership.

Children and staff were involved in designing the playground and the school council met weekly with headteacher Jean Yendall and school governor Nicola Harrison, the project co-ordinator, to organise the portfolio.

Mrs Yendall said: "I am delighted that the school has won the playground design award, it is a great achievement for us, as it is the highest award and one of only three in the northern region.

"We now have 12 months to implement the designs and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead."

The design includes a meadow area, a herb garden, a low level and climbing activity area, an amphitheatre and a woodland area with shelter and sculptures.

The county's executive member for education, Chris Metcalfe, said: "Playgrounds are a vital part of any school community because children spend more than eight hours a week in them.

"They form spaces where children develop interpersonal skills by having fun with their friends learning to play co-operatively."