A HEREFORDSHIRE school has struck it lucky after being awarded a £10,000 grant to spruce up its garden.

St Mary’s Primary School in Fownhope will use the money to build a games area after receiving the donation from the Big Lottery Fund.

“We can’t believe it, we are all just so excited,” PTA chairman Kay Maisey Smith.

“I didn’t think we would be so successful, but it just shows that you should try for things because you never know.”

Last year, the school opened new offices, meeting rooms and a reception area.

Jim Hearne, a year six pupil and head of the school council, said: “We are all so proud of our school and really pleased with the new building, but the grounds need a lot of work and some areas are not safe for us to play in.

“We can’t wait to be able to hold outside plays on the stage that is going to be built.