SUNK: The Friends of Ravensworth School must raise £10,000 to replace the playground ship and provide a new safety surface
SUNK: The Friends of Ravensworth School must raise £10,000 to replace the playground ship and provide a new safety surface

A VILLAGE fair is being revived in an effort to raise much needed cash for the local school.

The Friends of Ravensworth School are organising a summer fair in the school grounds on Saturday, July 13.

All money raised will go towards the replacement of the playground pirate ship HMS Ravensworth and a new safety surface.

The campaign to raise at least £10,000 needed to cover the cost was launched earlier this year with a sponsored event which challenged the pupils to climb as high as they could up a frame.

HMS Ravensworth has proved popular with pupils since she first sailed into view at the primary school in 2012.

Now, however, the wooden structure is no longer fit for purpose.

Sarah Yarrow, from the friends group, said: “Years ago we used to have a massive carnival type event on the village green so we are hoping to extend this to the wider community and also raise some funds.”

The village fair takes place from 11am to 4pm, and will feature live music from the students of Richmond School.

There will also be a falconry display, barbecue, bar and cream teas plus a chocolate stall. A host of artisans with a range of goods for sale will also attend, including Ravensworth Nurseries and Flamingo Papiere.

“It’s free entry – make a day of it,” added Ms Yarrow.

“All proceeds will go towards funding the repair of the school playground. This is a full community event open to all.”

If the weather proves problematic, the event will be held inside the school.

Disabled access is available.