THERE may have been a chill in the air, but that didn’t stop pupils, staff and supporters celebrating the great outdoors.

Members of Maidstone Lions visited the Molehill Copse Primary School unit for the hearing-impaired, to hand over £2,000 for a play-area canopy which has been built at the unit, to give youngsters the chance to enjoy outdoor play.

The event, which included a party for parents, pupils, staff and supporters, marked the end of months of fund-raising.

The Lions, who pledged to support staff in more fund-raising to improve the outside area with a sandpit, flower beds and a safety surface, had provided half the cost of the canopy, with the rest coming from fund-raising by the unit.

Jane Crisp, pre-school and foundation stage class teacher, said: "The children love going outside. Some of them have walking and balance difficulties, so it’s very important they go outside trying to ride a bike or run around. We’re very grateful to the Lions for helping us."