HIGH school students and staff were 'delighted' as new outdoor gym equipment was installed.

Neil Seaton, head of Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, and Kate Robson, of the Parent Teacher Association, welcomed town councillors Derek Kennedy and Suzanne Fairless-Aitken after they contributed £15,000 to the installation of outdoor equipment.

The Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association (PTFA) was established in 2022 to support pupil wellbeing.

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Becky Elton, of the Parents Teachers Association, said: “The PTFA was set up in October 2022 with the aim of supporting the school to enhance the education and wellbeing of pupils. The outdoor gym equipment was one of our first projects and we are really grateful for the support from Cllrs Kennedy and Fairless-Aitken.”

Mr Seaton said: "We were delighted this week to welcome Cllr Fairless-Aitken and mayor Derek Kennedy to the high school to see the outdoor gym equipment that was installed. They both worked alongside our PTFA to secure the funds to buy the equipment. It has been well used by the students at break and lunchtime. Our PTFA also held its annual general meeting. The parents who give up their time to fundraise and support events for the school do a wonderful job. Thank you to the PTFA, Cllr Fairless-Aitken and mayor Kennedy for the gym equipment – QE students are very grateful."

Councillor Derek Kennedy said “We are very supportive of the school children and the school. Speaking to the pupils I was told the outdoor gym is hugely popular and well used at break times. It is great to enhance the school further for physical and mental health purposes.”

Councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said: "As an exercise enthusiast I was thrilled to be able to contribute to the outdoor gym equipment for all the students at QEHS and Hexham Middle School. When we went along to see the ten new machines they were all busy and being used enthusiastically by the kids.

"We should never underestimate how much the great outdoors and physical exercise benefit concentration and help people cope with the umbrella of SEND issues currently on the rise in our schools. Well done to the amazing PTA for fundraising and installing them. I really hope that they help with youth fitness - both body and mind."