Once a dull and uninspiring expanse of empty concrete, a school playground is being transformed thanks to the efforts of teachers, parents and pupils.

They have raised £35,000 for the makeover at Whitehawk Primary School in Brighton, by applying for grants and arranging various sponsored events.

As well as play equipment, textured surfaces have been installed and the school's two playgrounds have been painted in bright colours.

Headteacher Garry Pendergast said: "We've also developed a garden into which every child has planted something.

"The playground idea was thought up by one of my staff. Before, we just had flat playgrounds with nothing in them.

"The staff, parents and pupils have worked incredibly hard. The whole school has been involved."

The school initially raised money through the New Opportunities Fund. BAA donated £4,000 and the parent-teacher association organised fund-raising events.

The school was then able to apply to Brighton and Hove City Council under the Seed Challenge Scheme and was able to almost double the money it had raised.

Mr Pendergast said: "We are creating areas where children can use their imagination.

"A flat playground isn't very engaging and we want them to enjoy break time.

"I think the benefits are going to be there for years to come. At least now they have bright colours and something to do."

Landscape architect Steve Geliot designed the new areas, with the help of pupils and staff, after working on similar projects at Stanford Infant and Junior Schools.

He said: "We wanted to mark off an area for children to let off steam so we came up with a giant ringed doughnut shape.

"It's made out of foam and plastic so although it is rigid, it does have a little bit of give and children can climb all over it.

"There are lots of other things like springy safety surfaces and the idea is for them to invent their own games.

"Another shape looks a little like a dinosaur. It's kind of abstract but suggestive so they can use their imagination.

"There are walls made out of plastic pipes and the idea for that was we wanted to separate areas so there could be play areas for ball games and quieter areas."

He hoped it would give children other things to do than just react off each other, which could lead to bullying or fights.

He said: "I hope they will find the colours, shapes and textures as things to explore.

"It's much more contemporary and modern. Pupils will hopefully feel more valued and know that play time does matter."