For a number of years, playtime facilities at Arbory Primary School, Ballabeg, have been off-limits, due to the adventure playground being considered unsafe for the youngsters to use.

Now, following a gesture by Friends Provident International, things are set to change.

In recent times, the school’s 157 pupils have had to make do with restricted areas, especially during the winter months.

Hearing of this, the Castletown-based company has pledged a ?500 donation in a bid to have a new playground surface laid.

'The problem is the matting, which has lifted, and it means the playground has become unsafe to play on,' said Acting Head Teacher Triana Collister.

'We really want to get this fixed as soon as possible which is why we are so grateful to FPI for supporting our Playground Appeal. Hopefully, now, it won’t be too much longer before we can get some new matting in place.'

Jonathan Hall, FPI’s General Manager, said he hoped it wouldn’t be long before the children of Arbory School can fully use the playground again. 'The school plays a central role within the Ballabeg community and we want the children to get the most out of their play time,' he said.

Pictured: Jonathan Hall with Triana Collister and Arbory School pupils.