AN ARMY of volunteers came together to transform a drab school yard into a colourful playground.

Pupils at Caldew Lea Primary School in Carlisle were joined by their mums, dads and grandparents on Saturday to spruce up their outdoor space.

As many as 80 people turned out for the event named Bacon Butty DIY SOS.

Year 5 teacher Jannette King, who is also the school’s parental and community link, said a total revamp of the yard was something they’ve been aiming to achieve for a while.

“It is an old Victorian school stuck in the middle of two rows of houses. There is no greenery. It was drab and looked run down,” she said. “It was a chance to get the parents and community involved to make the yard lovely and vibrant.”

Volunteers enjoyed the sunshine as they painted, weeded, scrubbed, varnished and planted throughout the day. They were rewarded for their hard work with a bacon sandwich and refreshments at lunch time.

Rachel Fraser, 35, of Ullswater Road, painted some stones with her five-year-old son Logan Beck.

A former pupilshe was keen to help to ensure her children would remember it as fondly.

“I think it’s good for the kids to get them involved in school. It gives them a bit more interest. It needed done and it was about time.

“I left 25 years ago and I want my three boys to come to this school. It’s just to help the school along.”

Sue Atkinson was with her granddaughter Iona Lloyd who is also in reception.

She said: “We’ve just come down to make things a bit nicer for the children. Money is in short supply and its up to everybody to try to help out if they can.”

Local businesses also played their part including Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, who supplied the paint, and Dalston-based Mike Capstick Nursey, who donated compost and plants along with Morrisons, Asda and Sainsbury’s. Tyres R Us provided 50 tyres which were given a new lease of life as painted planters.

Once the school has the groundwork complete and planters ready, Dobies will plant a vegetable garden and help create a tyre fountain.