There were smiles all round as a Carlisle pre-school officially unveiled their new play area, funded by community support.

Stanwix Community Pre-School officially opened their new outdoor play area on Saturday, gathering parents, children and wellwishers to cheer on the ribbon-cutting.

A grand total of £6,463 was raised for the pre-school through the local Co-Op community fund, a project which donates a slice of the shop’s profits to good causes chosen by local residents.

Sam Currey, the area manager for the Co-Op’s community fund and his colleague Lucy Armstrong were invited to cut the ribbon and let the play officially begin at the Stanwix pre-

“It’s a huge honour for me to be able to open this wonderful new outdoor area,” Sam said.

“The best thing about this project is that it’s funded by the community, so this is a real vote of confidence in the pre-school from the Stanwix community.”

The pre-school, which has only recently secured the change in status from playgroup, is funded by donations.

Co-managers Rhona Hammond and Becky Clarkson stressed the significance of the Co-Op donation to their fundraising efforts.

“We’re a charity, we’re run by a parent committee”, said Rhona, 44. “So to achieve this level of funding is a dream come true.”

“It makes us immensely proud to think that the community wanted to contribute to the pre-school in this way”.

“It was very much an honour,” added Becky.

“It was perfect timing for it to all come together now, just in time for the nicer weather.”

The overhaul included everything from new musical instruments affixed to the walls to a pirate ship and a road track on which driving toy cars is already proving to be a favourite activity for the 37 pupils on roll.

One fan of the new road track in particular is three-year-old Sophie.

Her mum, Sarah Gibson, is chair of the pre-school’s committee.

“It’s made such a difference. It’s a much safer and happier environment,” she said.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Co-Op, and the Stanwix community.”