CHILDREN at Mudeford Infants School returned to brighter classrooms after the summer break thanks to volunteers from the Sovereign Housing Association.

They took part in the Team Dorset Challenge to carry out minor repairs and give the outside of the school a welcome lick of paint.

The aim of the challenge is to harness the positive spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to encourage people in the community to adopt healthier lifest-yles and participate in community, cultural and environmental activities.

Head teacher Duncan Churchill said: “In this difficult financial climate, to have volunteers coming into the school to carry out such works is an amazing bonus.

“The improvements have been great and have really brightened up our school.”

Sovereign Regional Director Nicole Sharp was among the volunteers. She said: “Sovereign was very keen to take advantage of the opportunity that Team Dorset Challenge presented to undertake activities that benefit the local community.

“We have a great deal of expertise in our response teams,”

Repairs were carried out to guttering, benches, fencing and gates.