A SCHOOL playground has been transformed from a mud bath into a safer space for youngsters.

The playground at St Joseph's School was renovated after it received a grant from the regional panel of Sovereign Housing Association.

The £2,000 funding means there is now a quiet area for pupils to chat with friends as well as a practice dance and drama area and games section.

The funds have also been used to reinforce a bank to stop mud sliding onto the playground and blocking the drains.

A mulch of rubber chippings, made from recycled forklift tyres, has been laid to create a play area and protect the trees.

“The jungle mulch is good,” said Holly, a year 6 student.

“When we go on it we don’t get muddy shoes and the school is much cleaner.”

Jen Leonard, a parent who led the funding bid, said: “I felt so passionately about this I wanted to get involved. The benefits during playtime were tangible from the very first day.”

St Joseph’s School headteacher, Louise Buxton, said: “Now the children who don’t want to play football have a space where they can enjoy their friendships and just be happy. And the boys and girls who want to run around can do so safely.

“This was a priority project for the school,” she added.

“With this project completed, we can develop other areas of the playground.”

There are plans to put in bug hotels, re-stain the benches and buy wooden instruments for the new play area.

The school has also been able to free up funds for two new table tennis tables, which were recently installed on the playing field.

“It's the little things that make the difference, and that's what the funding is for: to try and help the community,” said Sue Levell, a regional panel member.