IT'S A BENCHMARK for the pupils and staff of Foundry Lane Primary School as they celebrate having six new benches set in concrete in the playground.

Earlier this year an appeal was launched to erect 12 benches in the grounds, and now the school is halfway to its goal. Events organised to raise the money included a football match between staff and parents, and a car boot sale.

Donations also flooded in from locals, and from past pupils of the school.

Several donors gave enough to pay for a complete bench and some are being specially dedicated - among them a bench in memory of Foundry Lane pupil Mark Weeks, who was tragically killed in a road accident.

The school needs another £900 to buy the remaining six benches.

Donations may be sent to Pam Mold, Foundry Lane Primary School, Foundry Lane, Shirley, Southampton, SO16 8BG, or call 01703 774814 to find out more infor-mation.

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