Generous shoppers help Whittington pupils take their lessons outdoors

Pupils at Whittington Primary School will get a chance to enjoy the great outdoors as part of their education, thanks to the generosity of shoppers.

Hayley Gilbert, manager of Whittington Co-op, presenting cheque from Community Dividend Fund to Emma Taylor, deputy head of Whittington Primary School, and some pupils.

Hayley Gilbert, manager of the Whittington Co-op, is pictured presenting a cheque for the money from the Community Dividend Fund to Emma Taylor, deputy head of Whittington Primary School, and some of the pupils.

Customers at the Tamworth Co-operative Society’s store in the village notched up £250 by donating the dividends they earned on their purchases to the school.

The money will be spent on furnishing a new yurt, where youngsters can go to learn about their natural environment, and tools for them to acquire skills, such as whittling, as part of their Forest School activities.

The award is from the Society’s Community Dividend Fund which distributes thousands of pounds each year to local charities, schools and other good causes.

Sally Wilmot, head teacher of Whittington Primary School, said: “It’s very exciting to have this money. We will certainly be putting it to good use. We are so grateful to the Tamworth Co-op and all the shoppers who have made this possible.”

Hayley Gilbert, manager of the Whittington convenience food store, handed over the cheque to the school, catering for three to 11-year-olds.

She said: “I’m sure the children will benefit greatly from having this experience.”

This year 14 organisations, including several schools and churches, are due to receive nearly £10,000 between them from the Community Dividend Fund. All the groups are in the Tamworth Co-op’s trading area covering Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire.