A MUCH-LOVED puppy did the honours at the opening of an adventure play area in a school near Cockermouth.

After years of fundraising, Lorton School’s new play area was finally opened this week. It was such a momentous occasion that the school decided to call in the county’s most famous springer spaniels - Max, Paddy and puppy Harry - and owner Kerry Irving to lead the ribbon-cutting fun.

It was Harry’s first official public engagement and he rose to the occasion, thanks to a strategically placed piece of sausage, to cheers of delight from pupils, staff and villagers.

Friends of Lorton School (Fols) have organised a host of fundraising events during the past three years and raised £15,000.

They have held summer fairs at the school, staged toy hunts in Cockermouth, raced Tigerboats on Derwentwater and held an art auction at Wordsworth House.

A further £10,000 came from a Lottery Awards for All grant.

“We are indebted to Fols for all their hard work,” said head teacher Olivia Harrison.

“The grant and fundraising paid for the play equipment and installation.

“We are also so grateful to one of the parents who organised for all the groundwork to be done over Christmas, we could not have completed the project at this stage without their generosity.”

Kerry Irving said: "What an amazing place to have a playground, surrounded by mountains ready for adventure."

Mrs Harrison said: "Max, Paddy and Harry are promoting the outdoors, just like us. The kids love them."

There is no doubt how well the play area has been received.

Pupil Theo Short, 11, said: "I think it's amazing, a big change from the old one and lots of fun.

"It was a great idea to have Max, Paddy and Harry open the playground. They're cute, calm and adorable."