Whisky tasting with river views, a week's holiday in a caravan in Wales, a bookbinding workshop and a delicious range of afternoon teas and local meals are among more than 60 treats up for grabs in West Oxford Community Primary School’s online auction.

The auction, already open and running until June 25, is raising cash to transform the school’s playground.

Other prizes include a hand-crafted gold signet ring, a bespoke creative writing workshop, an insider’s tour of the Town Hall or County Hall and even a portrait of your pet.

Foodies can bid on culinary treats from local favourites like Pickle & Lime greengrocers and The Punter, while anyone planning a summer party will find useful auction lots such as live music, bottles of bubbly and homemade cakes.

The pandemic has made it difficult for schools to hold fundraising events so the online auction to provide critical funds for the school’s playground renovation.

Headteacher Emma Goodes said: “We’ve got an ambitious plan to dramatically upgrade our outdoor play areas.

Oxford Mail: Plans for the new playground area

“Much of the equipment has sadly had to be removed because it was wooden and old and unsafe. Every donation through the auction website will benefit local children for generations to come.

“Bid big and you’ll get a fabulous prize as a thank you for your support.”

Once completed, the revitalized playground will feature an outdoor classroom, a sensory area and plenty of playspaces.

The project has already got off to a terrific start with the installation of a new climbing frame which had a grand opening a couple of weeks ago attended by some governors and ribbon cutting.

Year 6s, who are about to leave primary school, were allowed to play on it first within their bubbles.

And all proceeds from the online auction will be dedicated to phase two when another small area will be redeveloped.

It is hoped the project will include an outdoor classroom that will prove especially useful during the current lockdown, but will remain long after.

And there are plans for an area to give children a mini-forest school experience.

The entire project is projected to cost around £80,000.

When the event finishes on June 25, winning bidders will be connected to the donor of their lot, or prize, to arrange collection in the West Oxford area.

West Oxford Primary School said it is grateful to Classique Hair Salon, Tumbling Bay Kitchen & Café, Pickle & Lime, Warlands Botley Road Cycles, HiQ Tyres and Autocare Oxford, Waitrose, Precycle Oxford, Barnard Fine Jewellery, Booker Wholesale, The Punter, The Fishes, The Perch and The Plough at 38 for donating prizes.

To take part, go to www.jumblebee.co.uk/westoxfordprimary.