PRIMARY school youngsters are looking forward to playtime fun when they return to their classrooms after the Christmas break.

New play equipment was unveiled at Stanley Crook Primary School, near Crook, just before the children began their Christmas holidays.

The facility, which includes a climbing frame, swing tyres and safety flooring, was provided by Batsons of Tow Law. The company has been working in partnership with the school to design a play area with funding provided by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Heidi Maddison, from Batsons, said: "I designed this especially for the under-fives. Play is an extremely important part of their learning.''

The play area cost about £15,000 to build.

Headteacher Shirley Oswald said the project had been worth every penny.

"We got help from the Friends of the School and we asked for ideas on what the children might want," she said.

"Playtime is important for children and this will help with their physical and emotional development."