Lunchtimes are set to be more exciting for pupils following an innovative idea for their breaks.

Richard de Clare School, in Parsonage Street, Halstead, has joined the Children’s Scrapstore Playpod Scheme, which means that there are all types of fun equipment for them to play with during their lunch breaks, including tyres, bins, nets and boxes.

All school years are encouraged to get involved every lunchtime, and the school is only one of three in Essex to have signed up, with the £8,000 for the equipment and staff training coming from the school’s Home School Association and funds.