FUNDING will be raised to help build an outdoor learning space at a west Dorset school next weekend.

The Friends of Symondsbury School are hoping to raise money at this year's summer fair to erect a canopy to create an all-weather outdoor learning space at the school.

The group has established a new committee are are confident they will raise enough funding, based on their success at tripling the money raised from the annual Colmer's Hill Easter Egg Hunt, along with renewed ambition from the group, along with increased participation from parents.

Chairman of the committee, Karen Meek, said: "Symondsbury School gets a brilliant response when we put out a playground plea for help with fundraising and our friends are really keen to get stuck in, using their brilliant range of skills, ideas and contacts.

"We're setting ourselves the target of pulling off an absolute corker of a summer fair with more activities and fun than ever before.

"Hopefully we can make a positive difference for all the pupils by transforming a tired balcony area into a versatile outdoor learning space."

The event will take place at the school from 2pm on Saturday, June 20.

The fair will include a wide range of games and activities for all ages, an inflatable bouncy assault course and a host of stalls selling crafts, books and homemade cakes.

Pupils will entertain visitors with traditional maypole dancing and other musical performances, while refreshments will include a barbecue and ice cream. A new and improved raffle will offer top prizes from local businesses.

Emma Roberts, head teacher at Symondsbury Primary School, said: “The pupils are absolutely thrilled at the plans coming together for this year’s summer fair which looks like being one of the biggest and best yet.

"I can’t thank the friends group enough for the way they have thrown themselves into the planning for the event and how it is aiming to be not just a brilliant fundraiser for the school, enabling us to extend our outdoor teaching space, but also a wonderful community event and a showcase for our school, our talents, our enthusiasm and our sense of fun.”