TWO district councillors have donated £500 to a Malvern primary school to help transform its playground.

Cllrs John Raine and Natalie McVey each donated £250 to St James’ CE Primary School as part of the Ward Budget Scheme.

The scheme, run by Malvern Hills District Council, provides councillors with £500 per year to assist with local projects that would allow them to become more involved in their communities.

They are entitled to use their allocation, in whole or in part, to contribute towards a local project which is receiving finance from other sources.

The funding will go towards the school’s playground project which includes plans to re-mark the netball and football pitches, provide new climbing apparatus, as well as an outdoor theatre stage.

In 2017/18, nearly £19,000 has been allocated to more than 50 projects and organisations including new library books for Malvern CE Primary School and the sponsoring of a rider at Malvern Hills Riding for the Disabled Group.

Cllr McVey said: “I am very pleased to offer this grant to St James’ to help improve their playground. Having an allocated area for children to be active and socialise is so important as it not only helps with their physical well-being but also their mental well-being too. We wish them luck with the project and we can’t wait to see the finished product.”

Niki Smith, the school's business manager, said: “We are so thankful to Cllrs Raine and McVey for their generous donation. We are hoping to redevelop the playground area by applying for funding and raising money ourselves. There will be discussions on the design for the playground and hopefully it will be completed by next summer.”