STAFF at Tockholes Primary School are hoping a new play area and improved school grounds will add to the school's attractiveness when parents are choosing where to send their children.

A new asphalt area surrounded by secure fencing has been completed for the infants' section and staff are buying a play house for the youngsters to play in and store their larger play equipment.

The primary school has also benefited from a new garden with benches and shrubs which the children helped to plant. But despite all the improvements, only four children have been registered for the new academic year.

Headteacher Barbara Cocken said: "Whether parents are thinking that because it is a good school it will be full up, we don't know, but we were expecting more people to apply. Most of the classes still have places free and we do welcome people from outside the area, not just from Tockholes.

"We are hoping more people will get in touch once they realise there are still places available."