TRANMERE Rovers Captain Steven Jennings has given a thumbs up to a new school playground when performed the official opening honours.

The tough tackling midfielder gave a rousing team talk at Our Lady and St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in Birkenhead.

And he praised young members of the Good Samaritans who have worked hard to help fund the new £25,000 pirate ship playground for their early years pupils.

The new facility was designed, manufactured and installed by outdoor play experts Creative Play.

Steven praised the youngsters for achieving their goal.

He said: "It's a fantastic facility which I'm sure will really benefit the children who use it.

"Everyone involved in the fundraising activities should be very proud of themselves because they've played a big role in making this happen and I'm sure the children will really appreciate it."

The new playground marks a significant investment in the school. Assistant head teacher Sarah Parry explained: “Because our school has grown so much we purchased the old family centre building over the road that had been empty for two years.

“The school came together to raise all the money with the help of our Good Samaritans Team - so it’s great that the children in the team have something tangible to show for their fundraising efforts.

“It was so important for us to provide an amazing play area to enhance the learning experience for our pupils.”

Ten-year-old Alice Hanna, a founding member of the Good Samaritans Team - whose mission is to help people at home, school and in the wider community - said: “We did a sponsored walk and some of the money we raised went towards the new playground and some went to the Catholic Children’s Society.

“The little children really like the playground and have lots of fun so it’s nice to know that we helped that happen.”