A group of schoolchildren in North Shields have earned their school £2,000 to help fund a new sensory garden.

The donation to Collingwood Primary School has been made by our North East team via our Community Champions initiative which provides funding to local charities, schools and community groups.

Headteacher Sharon Grant and pupils this week hosted our North East Managing Director Stuart Grimes to formally take receipt of a cheque for £2,000 in the presence of Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for the Environment at North Tyneside Council.

Stephanie Ingleby, a teacher and Eco and Sustainability lead at Collingwood Primary reached out to the North East region to help raise the money needed for a new polytunnel and sensory garden area.

Sharon Grant, Headteacher at Collingwood Primary School, said: “We are so grateful to Persimmon for this wonderful donation.

“Our garden will be a welcome place for our children; a space where they can regulate their emotions, take some time to reflect and enjoy being outside in the fresh air. We can’t thank you enough.”

Stephanie Ingleby, Eco and Sustainability Lead at Collingwood Primary School, commented: “Our Eco Warriors are passionate about supporting the needs of our school community and families, and work effortlessly to improve our mission towards sustainability. A huge part of their journey has been raising money for a polytunnel and to grow crops that can accompany our school food bank, The Pantry.”

Stuart Grimes, Managing Director at our North East office, added: “It was great to visit Collingwood Primary School recently to meet their enthusiastic team of ‘eco-warriors’ who are working hard to transform the schools outdoor space.”

Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for the Environment at North Tyneside Council added: “It is great to see local businesses supporting our local schools in North Tyneside, this sort of collaboration will create opportunities for the next generation.

“I had the pleasure of visiting Collingwood School recently to see the outstanding work their team of young ‘eco-warriors’ are doing, their passion for the outdoors and the environment is evident and I look forward to seeing what they do next!”