The playground of Brampton Primary School is set to be transformed after it won a £10,000 Lottery bid for new equipment.

The money, from the Big Lottery Fund, will be used to upgrade the shared Early Years outdoor area - used by the school and the nursery.

Chris Armstrong, who is deputy head and acts up as headteacher two days a week, said: “We are so excited we wanted to share our news.

"I can’t believe we won the bid. It takes a lot of form filling but we were successful so it just goes to show that it can be done.

"You have to get the wording right and get down on paper what you want to get out of it."

The money will be spent on a story telling area in the playground,a wig wam, a timber play train and shelters as well as some giant pencil posts.

Mr Armstrong said: "We are also adding three elements to our trim trail which is like an assault course.

"This is equipment for the children to climb over and under and balance.

"We are going to get a new climbing wall and an embankment ramp.”

It is hoped that the new play equipment will help children with their physical development and encourage better vocabulary, speaking and listening skills.

Mr Armstrong said: "The children are very excited and we have been sharing the news with parents.

"The school council had an input into the equipment as well. The younger children liked everything we suggested.

"It was a bit like looking at the Argos catalogue with them. They liked everything in it."

The new elements in the playground are mostly made of timber.

A wall with a special mural on is also being designed featuring a mountain to create an imaginary world setting.

The school is also hoping to upcycle some old cable drums.

Mr Armstrong said: "We are hoping to start work in January and get the playground ready for the Spring term.

"I guess it all depends on the weather though. I think we should be in a position to unveil it by half time if everything goes according to plan.

"The beauty of its design is that we can add to it as we go along."

Mr Armstrong said his success in getting money from the Big Lottery Fund would encourage him to apply for other pots of cash.

Meanwhile, the school is getting in the festive spirit with a series of carol concerts and assemblies.

A Christmas fair, organised by the PTA, was held last night and a carol service will be held in St Martin's Church on Friday, December 16 at 10am.

The school choir also sang at the Brampton lights switch on last weekend.

Some children are taking part in a production of The Jungle Book this year and others are off on a festive school trip to the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.

The school raised nearly £300 for Children in Need this year.