CHILDREN at a Ryedale school are hoping for a reason to be merry in the New Year with ambitions plans for a new playground and classroom being considered by planning officials.

The pupils at Slingsby Primary School need more space for their desks as the tiny 33-strong village school looks to expand its numbers.

And now their rusty old climbing frame has been declared unfit to use, the children are keeping their fingers crossed for the go ahead from Ryedale District Council.

Head teacher Barbara Bennett said a new playground was the first phase of their proposed expansion.

She said: "Play is such a vitally important part of learning.

"We intend to put down an all-weather play area instead of some of the grass because it's too wet to use in winter.

"It means we will be able to have a football pitch on some of the ground, and also space for the children who want a quieter area outside.

"During the summer it will be nice to have somewhere to sit and eat packed lunches."

Mrs Bennett said that eventually they were hoping to install an adventure play facility. She said the children had done a term-long project about the new facilities they would like to have.

She said: "They are really excited about it. They have drawn up a wish list and it's a matter of adapting that."

Plans put forward by the school include a much larger cloakroom and more classroom space.

Outside, next to the all-weather surfacing, a hedge will be extended to provide extra security for the children.

York-based architect firm PGT and Co has developed the scheme in conjunction with the school, drawing up plans to be submitted to the council.

Architect Matthew Baker said: "Mrs Bennett kindly asked us to have a look last year and we have been working closely with her since then."

Updated: 11:47 Saturday, December 22, 2001