SCHOOLCHILDREN now have a new playground thanks to their artistic abilities.

Pupils from St Joseph's RC Primary School, Crossfield Street, Deptford, won an art competition organised by Lewisham Shopping Centre.

Their prize was to receive play equipment from the centre's playground, which closed earlier in the year.

The equipment, which includes climbing frames, a toy train and a slide, now sits in the school's revamped playground.

Headteacher David Feasey said: "The play area has really brightened up our playground and given our children so many opportunities for imaginative play."

Runner-up prizes of high street store vouchers were awarded to St Stephen's School, Albyn Road, Deptford, and St Saviour's School, Bonfield Road, Lewisham.