TEDBURN St Mary School has been trying to raise money to revitalise what used to be its swimming pool, an enclosed sunny spot at the rear of school, now a somewhat overgrown sunken patch with no use.

The first idea was for a new Foundation Stage classroom, but the price proved too much, so the school has decided to turn it into a sensory playground.

The Friends of the School set the children a task to raise £20.22 each towards the cost of works, asking them to find their own ways to raise the money.

“We had no idea that our children would take up the challenge so well!  At the moment we have raised more than £5,000 in two months which, from 90 children, is amazing,” said headteacher Andy Keay.

Things are still going on, so they are not prepared to give in yet.  Some have raised several hundred pounds each.

During an assembly Mr Keay did a big reveal of the total so far, £5,168 with the oldest and youngest pupils - 11 years-old Lizzy and four years-old Christian - showing a card for the total of the Busy Bee Challenge, which has not stopped.

Mr Keay told the assembled school that the total meant work could now begin on transforming the unused area, giving a new space for the school to use for the next academic year.

Among the ways the young people raised funds were setting up a cafe at home, a 90-mile walk, another with a 30-mile walk, making and selling bunting, a sponsored triathlon, or sponsored bicycle rides such as three boys who cycled the 22 miles to Clifford Bridge and back to Tedburn.  They all received certificates and prizes.

Mr Keay explained that some parents were supporting with practical help on the site and there is a Just Giving page for FOTSMS-New-Play-Zone.

The Fair Play trophy won by the school tag rugby team at the Crediton Tag Festival  was shown to the school and certificates to all who took part were presented by Mr Keay.  The school team came fifth.