A Dorchester school is looking for help to raise £35,000 to transform their play area.

The Prince of Wales School Association (POWSA), the school PTA charitable organisation, is fundraising for the ‘BIG’ Project which aims to transform the outside area of the reception class.

Plans for the ambitious project includes a mud kitchen, water play area and track for pupils to ride the school's newly purchased balance bikes.

However, headteacher Gary Spracklen said the cost of the 'BIG Project' was beyond the reach of the school's budget so, as well as applying for external funding and grants, the school were looking to reach-out to their 'amazing community.'

Headteacher Gary Spracklen said: "We are not prepared to settle for any less than the best for our pupils. We would like to hear from people who may know a business, organisation, charity or individual that we could approach for a donation to help make our big project a reality. It's about little donations adding up - so whatever people can give, it will quickly help the project move forward.

The school has already raised an impressive £5,000 of the £35,000 target and Mr Spracklen thanked everyone who had donated so far.

"Dorchester has a really strong community and this project is not just about the school but about the whole community having access to these facilities including community clubs such as Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and our breakfast club," he said.

Students, school professionals and parents all contributed to the plans which have been finalised by Pentagon Play.

Mr Spracklen said the playground had been designed to encourage "creative, physical, imaginary and group as well as individual play to support the development of healthy and active lifestyles."

"This project is stage one of a programme to refurbish and redevelop several key areas of the school in order to give the children of the Prince of Wales First School the school they deserve," Mr Spracklen said.

Local businesses are already getting on board, after Goulds Limited, which has two department stores in Dorchester and a garden centre in Weymouth, donated £150 towards the project.

Director of Goulds, Roger Gould said: "We try to support as many good causes as possible. Hopefully our modest donation can start them on their way."

If you would like to donate to the 'BIG project' or to find out more email powsa@hotmail.co.uk