A primary school has been shortlisted for 'Primary School of the Year' after helping the pupils deal with the unexpected death of their headteacher.

Broadway Primary School in Haslingden has been nominated in the category as part of the Edufuturists 2021 awards which will take place on July 2.

The school was nominated for how they have dealt with the death of their headteacher Catherine Feber in helping move the school forward and ensuring the wellbeing of pupils was addressed.

Community interest company OPAL, which helps organise better school play areas, supported the school in fundraising and looking for sponsorships to make the playground a more fun and nurturing environment.

The transformation has seen the school receiving donations of crates, tyres and even a toy Jeep from the public, Tesco, Hollands Pies and Go Velo.

Headteacher, Mr Chris Bolton said: "We are very excited to be shortlisted for the Edufuturists Primary School of the Year 2021.

"With the closures of school due to Covid-19 and the untimely death of our Headteacher Catherine Feber, we thought that it was important to focus on the wellbeing of our pupils.

"We have transformed our playground by introducing loose parts with the support of OPAL.

"So far, the huge developments on the yard have reduced arguments, reduced accidents and excited children more than I could ever have hoped.

"It is amazing how creative the children can be with old crates, tyres, and a hosepipe.

"It is fantastic to see the sheer joy on our children's faces as they run to another activity.

"Our playground is developing both the physical but also mental fitness of our brilliant children."

The school is up against Crosthwaite C of E Primary School in Kendal, St Michael's CE School in Wandsworth, London and Layton Primary School in Blackpool.

The awards, which are in their third year, were created by Dan Fitzpatrick and Ben Whitaker who were teachers in Accrington.

You can vote for the school at https://forms.gle/F6NQujR2KmYvQ3pE7