PRIMARY pupils will be starting the new term with a state-ofthe- art £120,000 play area.

Children at a Great Lever school will be able to enjoy everything from football to basketball on their new multi use games area.

SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School is to get an extended and refurbished play area.

It will be developed with additional storage, tiered seating for up to 60 children, with spectator and outdoor teaching space.

There will also be a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), which will have an astroturf surface with floodlighting.

The community can use this facility until 9pm on weekdays. Headteacher Simon Bramwell said: “We are very pleased that the council has given the go-ahead for the next phase of the development of SS Simon and Jude.

“There are very few examples in life of a true win-win but this is one of them. “ The project has been funded by additional work the school has undertaken over the past two years, which includes working with Dukesgate Primary School in Salford to bring it out of special measures.

Mr Bramwell added: “Not only do the children at SS Simon and Jude CE benefit but also the pupils at schools who we have helped move out of special measures.

“I need to thank all the staff who contribute in this way, the money they earn goes back to school and allows us to improve the experience of the SS Simon and Jude’s children.”

The new sports area will complement the multi-million pound development of the school, which is described as “good with outstanding features”

by education watchdogs.

The school was given a £2 million make-over and extension.

Chairman of governors Ned Solanki said: “This facility allows us to increase our community involvement both in scope and range. We will be able to connect with a whole new demographic.”

There will be security fencing around the field and the area will be officially opened in June.