Schoolchildren are thrilled to have more exciting lunchtimes.

Great Bradfords Junior School, in Marlborough Road, Braintree, had the official opening of its Playpod on Thursday.

Councillor Stephen Canning, who attended the school himself, cut the ribbon before the children were allowed to play with the equipment.

The items are old industrial refuse equipment, such as nets, large cable reels, tyres, plastic chairs, that have been cleaned and made safe for the children to play with.

The equipment cost £8,500, which the PTFA raised £2,000 towards.

The initiative is organised by Scrapstore Playpod, which will replenish the school’s stock of equipment when needed.

All years at the school will be able to play with the items at every outdoor lunchtime session.

Headteacher Fiona Dorey said: “It was wonderful.

“The children were really excited and enjoyed playing with the equipment.

“It’s about the children playing together using their imaginations to play with the equipment, rather than just running around.”