THE first stage of a new school playground project has been unveiled after a five-year fundraising effort.

Newsround children’s TV presenter Joe Tidy, who also reports for BBC Oxford, opened the new £29,000 all-weather playing surface at Wantage Primary School.

The Friends of Wantage Primary School raised about £10,000 through events like summer fetes, dance shows, and sponsored walks.

The rest of the money for the work came from the school, in Newbury Street.

The Friends group is now fundraising for the rest of the project – which includes a footpath around the sports pitch, tunnels, trails and a weather station.

The school got planning permission for the scheme in January.

Headteacher Phil Hibbs said: “I’m delighted to see the first phase of work on the playground project completed.

“Thanks are due to the Friends and their tireless fundraising.

“The extension of the all-weather surface is particularly welcome, as the children can enjoy a much greater area, no matter what the weather.

“I’m looking forward to watching the rest of the project progress.”

Mr Tidy said: “In a time when we’re reporting every day about cuts, cuts, cuts, it’s fantastic to see parents and kids pulling together to build such a great facility.”