The playground at Lilliput Infant School in Poole has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £10,000 donation awarded by Talbot Village Trust, a grant-giving charity that supports worthy causes across south-east Dorset.

Together with funds raised by the school’s PTA, the Trust’s donation has helped to revitalise the crucial outdoor space by replacing irreparable wooden play equipment. Up to 350 school children, aged four to seven, are now enjoying the colourful and dynamic new outdoor equipment which is designed to meet their physical, social and well-being needs.

Christine Chambers, head teacher at Lilliput Infant School, said: “We are grateful to Talbot Village Trust for their assistance with this project. The children absolutely love the new play structures. Importantly to us, the new area is in memory of a Lilliput pupil who continues to inspire us and whose motto in life had been “Be kind, be brave and never give up.” He always enjoyed playtimes.

“Without this generous donation, the children would have seen the deteriorated wooden play equipment dismantled for safety reasons, and we would have been unable to replace it for a good number of years. The play equipment is not only there for our current children but also for future generations to come.

The play equipment is designed to inspire role play and children’s imagination and includes a wooden train and a play tower. The play tower will help to develop children’s physical skills including strength, grip and grasp.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, Chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “Outdoor school playground equipment has long been recognised as a beneficial tool for a child’s development. Not only does it give children an opportunity to interact with peers in a safe and stimulating environment, but it also encourages physical health and well-being. 

He added: “It is incredibly important to the Trust that we continue to support projects which encourage positive health and wellbeing. We’re delighted to hear that the children love the new play area.”

Talbot Village Trust donates up to £1million every year, supporting various causes to youth organisations, education groups and community-focused projects. The charity is encouraging further local causes to apply for funding ahead of its application deadline on July 31.

For more information visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org