Hope £120,000 playground will 'transform lives'

Much of the money was raised through a charity ball held last month

A charity which supports disabled people and their families has raised £120,000 to build an accessible playground.

The sensory play area will be created at Northern Counties School in Jesmond, Newcastle, and will include wheelchair accessible roundabouts, swings, sensory tools and a water feature memorial in honour of students who have died.

It is being funded by money raised by the Percy Hedley Foundation, which runs the school, as well as donations from local businesses.

John Preston, the charity's CEO, said the playground would "have a transformational impact for our students".

The money raised included a £30,000 grant from the Sir James Knott Trust, which was match-funded by Newcastle solicitor firm Winn Group and a £20,000 grant from the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust.

The rest of the money was raised through Percy Hedley's Reach for the Stars ball last month.

"Events like our recent ball wouldn't be possible without the generosity, support and belief from those around us," Mr Preston said.

"This year is particularly special as we have now raised enough money to create our sensory play area that will be accessible for every pupil to use and enjoy regardless of ability, improving social skills and promoting independence."

Plans to begin the construction of the sensory play area will be confirmed soon, the charity said.