WHEN nursery nurse Daphne Eastburn retired three years ago, she still felt totally committed to helping her little school.

She had started an environment project at the beacon school, St Lewis' Croft, nine years ago, and decided to carry on voluntarily as its eco worker.

Now, thanks to her enthusiasm and hard work, the school has an extra safe play area for the children.

The former bark surface has been replaced with soft rubber, thanks to Daphne's successful bid for a £5,000 grant from The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, which contributed towards the £12,000 cost.

The cheque was handed to the children by Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North.

Daphne said: "I worked at St Lewis's for 20 years and started environment work after the children approached me. We turned to school dump into a wildlife area and now have a nature trail as well.

"The play area came about when we won a £2,000 in an environment competition. We asked the children what they wanted, now they have climbing ropes, balancing beams, wooden log jumps among other equipment and it is really fantastic.

"We had a bark safety surface which costs £800 a year to top up, now that money can go towards our plans for a much needed extra classroom.

"I'm applying for a grant from the Queen's Jubilee Fund for that, and I hope it too will be successful." Eco warrior: MP Helen Jones hands over the cheque to the children, watched by Father Christmas Daphne