THE pupils at St Joseph's Primary School, Glenmornan were jumping for joy this week when they heard that their playground is to have a new £4,000 face lift, creating a valuable resource for education, learning and fun.

The transformation of the playground comes as part of the 'Ulster Bank Supergrounds' programme launched this year by Ulster Bank and managed by the national school grounds charity Learning Through Landscapes and environmental charity Groundwork UK. Ulster Bank Supergrounds is a part of a £3 million initiative that will improve 450 primary school playgrounds over three years across the UK, and St Joseph's Primary School has been selected to be part of year three of the programme.

Edward Mc Laughlin, Head Teacher at St Joseph's Primary School said, "It's fantastic that Ulster Bank Supergrounds is supporting the development of the playground at the school. School playgrounds are one of the few safe outdoor spaces that are available to children and forms an important part of the learning environment. We are really excited about working with Ulster Bank Supergrounds to ensure that the playground makes a real difference to the pupils' lives."

Nichola Hegarty from Ulster Bank added, "As a Governor and parent I know how difficult it is for schools to raise funds and this scheme seemed an ideal way for us to improve the school grounds to help the children develop. It's great that Ulster Bank agreed to give its support to the school because of my involvement. When you give up your spare time to support the development of an outside area which will enhance the delivery of the curriculum at St Joseph's it's great that the

Learning through Landscapes is a UK-wide school grounds charity that makes it possible for children and young people to be able to enjoy the many unique opportunities and experiences that well designed, managed and used school grounds can provide. Established in 1990 the charity brings children into contact with the natural world in their crucial formative years; advances their rights to enjoy and benefit from their school grounds; provides advice and support on all aspects of school grounds development and use; and runs a number of programmes for school communities throughout the country. For more information visit www.ltl.org.uk

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Getting prepared to work on their new playground courtesy of Ulster Bank Supergrounds, are pupils from St Joseph's primary school, Glenmornan. Pictured with them are Nicola Hegarty of Ulster Bank with daughter Karen (P2 pupil) and (back row), from left; Sandra Early, Head of Key stage II, Edward McLaughlin, Principal and Angela Stallard of Supergrounds.