A SCHOOL is set to invest in new playground equipment after a £1,000 donation from a developer.

Housebuilder Persimmon Homes Wessex awarded the sum to St Peter's CE Primary School in Cassington, near Eynsham, after it successfully applied to its Community Champions scheme.

The project offers match funding to groups and charities, offering up to £1,000 to match funds already raised.

Cash will be used by the 109-pupil school to replace climbing equipment in its playground.

Sophia Vernon, a parent of a pupil at the school who has championed the project, said: "Unfortunately our old playground climbing equipment has succumbed to the elements after 15 years use.

"We’ve worked ridiculously hard to raise the funds– you name it, we’ve done it.

"It’s great to see a large company such as Persimmon backing a local school."

She thanked the developer on behalf of staff, parents and pupils.

Pauline Fletcher, a sales and marketing director at Persimmon, said: "We strongly believe in supporting the communities where we build.

"We are delighted to be able to support St Peter's school in this way and help local youngsters have the best possible facilities."