A NEW £16,000 play area has been built at an infant school to help keep pupils active.

Ghyllgrove Community Infant School, in The Gore, Basildon, has ploughed cash left over from its annual budget into the all-weather equipment, which features slides and climbing frames.

Each class will spend 15 minutes a day in the play area, which will also be open for use during lunch breaks.

Parent governor Darren Chaplin, 40, said: “This will keep the pupils occupied and involved in physical activity.

“It will also help them communicate with each other and develop social skills.”

Ghyllgrove is trying to recruit more governors, who would attend regular meetings to discuss issues, including the school curriculum and budget. For more information, call 01268 521987.