Ashlands children climbed peaks for their playground

On Sunday the sun shone for twenty eight children from Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley who put on their walking boots and climbed Pen-y-ghent to raise money towards the renovation of their school playground.

Children from nursery through to Year 6 got involved with the youngest climber aged just four years old. Families joined them on the walk with a Great Grandparent amongst them, aged eighty, and keen to scale the peak with her great grand-daughter.

Nicola Holmes, Chair of Friends of Ashlands PTA, said of the hike “This is the first school hike we have organized and we were delighted with the support. Health and Wellness is something as a parent we all value and living so close to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales it was a great opportunity to take this challenge whilst raising funds”.

Staying true to Ashland’s ambition to soon become an eco-school the group litter picked on the hike and made sure their group of fifty left only footsteps behind on the hill. The circular route was six miles and included a scramble up to the top of the 2,277 feet peak where the families enjoyed a picnic whilst admiring the fabulous views. It was heartwarming to watch as each of the younger year groups summitted the hill the older children cheered and applauded their efforts.

Headteacher of Ashlands Primary School, Donna Russell said “I feel so proud of each and every child who climbed Pen-y-ghent on Sunday. They put their all into the challenge and succeeded on many levels. The team spirit was evident as they happily supported each other to reach the top.”

The group aim to raise £1,000 towards their playground renovation and with donations still coming in are well on track to reach their target. For anyone wishing to support you can do so directly at www.justgiving.com/friendsofashlands

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