A CHILDREN'S playground in Clitheroe is on its way to a complete transformation thanks to the generosity of a local company.

St James's CE Primary School, in Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, launched an appeal to raise £5,000 to revive its play area.

And when Castle Cement, whose Ribblesdale works is based in the town, heard of the scheme, it stepped in and offered to render the inside of the playground walls at no cost to the school.

In addition, the company also gave a £500 donation to the fund.

Teacher Helen Hargreaves, who is also the school's personnel and social development co-ordinator, said: "We have asked local artists to paint murals on two of the walls, one showing our habitat and the other is based on citizenship.

"We wanted to do the work on the playground to improve the school environment and we are also improving the garden."

Ms Hargreaves added: "We are grateful to Castle Cement who very generously donated help and money to get the project off the ground. They have set the standards for other companies that we have approached for help."

Anyone wishing to donate to the playground fund should ring the school on 01200 423599.