CHILDREN are enjoying hours of fun after being presented with new play equipment.

After a year of fundraising by the residential and day special school and children’s charity, Birtenshaw Hall in Bromley Cross, work has started on transforming the outdoor area to make it more user-friendly for pupils.

This week, the youngsters took delivery of play equipment, which they had an hand in selecting.

Sarah Suthers, Birtenshaw Hall fundraising co-ordinator, said: “We raised £100,000 by applying to trusts and organisations, such as Children in Need, to transform the outdoor area for the young people to make use of.

“There is still a long way to go, but pupils can go out and use the new play equipment.

“There are not many all-inclusive play areas and often our pupils can feel segregated because the equipment they need is not available.”

The new equipment includes an Archimedes Screw, designed to be used in water and which appeals to those who have autism, and a granite stone harp, which makes music when touched.

Miss Suthers said: “We will continue the work as and when we get more money.

“The young people are enjoying using the new play equipment.”