pupils are enjoying the benefits of a new footpath which gives them a quiet area to socialise during play time.

The £10,000 project at Chester-le-Street Junior School, County Durham, follows a fundraising drive by pupils, co-ordinated by a Focus Group of parents and governors.

Headteacher Joan Twomey, who took up her post four years ago, said BT Education Awards had contributed £2,000 toward the scheme.

She said: "We have 240 children at school with two playgrounds which were very crowded.

"But we have a huge field which was usually empty because of weather restrictions - it was only put to good use in the summer. So we decided to take a corner of the field and create a path which children could use all year round."

Parent governor and focus group member Elaine Bell said: "The pupils came up with a brilliant idea of designing a path in the shape of the school badge, dividing it into quarters for each of the house groups.

"However, because of a slope in the land it required extra work and expense."

She added: "It is a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of the playgrounds, where children of all year groups can go to meet and talk, promoting their personal and social skills.

"The path has really become symbolic, emphasising the unity of the school as a whole."

Ms Bell said: "The children, head and staff would like to thank everyone who participated in making this dream come true.

"And thanks to the Focus Group who have worked tirelessly to raise the funds necessary to pay for this wonderful addition to the school field."