Principal Louise Grant said the new play areas include a Fairy Garden, a Race Track, a Giant Chart with numbers 1 -  100, new handball courts and Giant Noughts and Crosses games.

“These new areas are just the beginning of the playground improvements,” she said.

“In the coming months, the trucks and diggers and builders will arrive to transform the playground and make improvements to our buildings too. St Mary’s children will finally have the playground they deserve.

“The school is thankful to Terry Brothers Carpet Court who kindly supplied the astroturf, Tegra who donated the gravel and JMH Kitchens who gave the school the timber to create the giant Noughts and Crosses and Golden Glance Nursery.

“Father Steve blessed the playground and all those who will enjoy it.”

Mrs Grant said staff members Mandy Williams and Jamie Williams were honoured during the opening ceremony for their passion for the project. 

“They were responsible for the ideas from inception, design and planning through to building the structures and coordinating all the help and support,” she said.

“This event gave the school the opportunity to express their gratitude to Mr and Mrs Williams and they were given the honour of cutting the ribbon.