A HELPING hand has been extended to a small primary school by a charity support group and the local Premiership football club.

Grange Park Primary School in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, welcomed special visitors to mark the opening of its refurbished library and the unveiling of new play equipment.

Bob Murray, chairman of Sunderland AFC, made the short journey from the Stadium of Light to open the library at the Swan Street school.

He was joined by Deborah Jeffrey, chairman of the Lady Taverners, whose Northumberland and Durham region helped purchase the play equipment.

It marks the end of a year-long refurbishment programme at the school, which has both able-bodied and special needs pupils.

The library has been completely refitted and redecorated, with the stock upgraded and new furniture purchased.

A computerised library system has also been installed.

The Sunderland chair- man said he was happy to maintain the links with the club's neighbourhood school.

"We have enjoyed a very special relationship with Grange Park since the Stadium of Light was built and I'm delighted to be invited to open the library," he said.