Staff from Bristol University will be going back to school today [Wednesday, 12 July] to complete a DIY SOS challenge for pupils at Horfield CEVC primary school, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.

Over 20 staff have volunteered their time for the one-day challenge to help rejuvenate the school’s playground. Staff will be swapping their normal roles within the University’s Academic Registry for those of decorators, painting colourful games and murals, designed by some of the school’s 350 pupils.

The University’s own team artist, Charlotte Wilson, has been working alongside the pupils, aged between four and 11, to turn their designs into reality and create a more interactive and vibrant play area.

Currently undergoing a grounds development project, the school has experienced problems in raising sufficient money to brighten up the playground areas. 

Alan Sutton, Head, Horfield CEVC primary school, said: “It’s a task we have been wanting to do for a long time and it’s just so brilliant to have such an enthusiastic group of volunteers here to do the job.”

Lynn Robinson, Academic Registrar at the University said: “We’re delighted to be able to help out Horfield primary school in this way and hope that it will be a really good team building experience for all those taking part, as well as raising awareness of community issues. It’s great that the University supports its staff in undertaking projects like this.”

The challenge will take place between 9 am and 5 pm at Horfield CEVC primary school, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.