CHILDREN can now spend playtime climbing and jumping after their school was awarded a £5,000 grant.

The cash was used by staff at Darenth Primary School to improve the play area for its 93 pupils.

A climbing frame with poles, chains and steps is now a firm favourite with the youngsters aged between four and 11.

More fun will be added to the play area, in Green Street Green Road, in two weeks as the remainder of the grant is spent on painting games, including hopscotch, onto the grounds.

Headteacher Simon Manning said: "They now have something more constructive to do in the playground rather than just run around."

The money was awarded in October by the New Opportunity Fund Board, which grants money to educational projects promoting long-term benefits.