A BARROW school is hoping for a wave of support for a nautical themed project to get its playground looking ship shape.

Brisbane Park Infant School is aiming to turn its Reception playground into the 'Brisbane Park Boatyard'.

The school is looking for donations of a few old rowing boats which it can use to make into a sandpit, raised bed planter and for other play and educational uses.

The boats don't need to be in seaworthy order, as the school has a joiner who will make the boats safe for their new uses.

The Blake Street school is also looking for any other donations of nautical equipment and outdoor paint so the wall can be decorated.

The pupils are already delighted with their first boat "The Black Pearl" which is being transformed into an outdoor reading space.

Brisbane Park had to use the money put aside for the Reception yard project on replacing a gazebo learning space in the main yard which was trashed and set of fire last summer. The school once again has a gazebo, featuring a stage and seating, and now the school hopes to receive some assistance for its boat yard.

Brisbane Park is keen to celebrate Barrow shipbuilding heritage through the project. The children enjoy trips to the Dock Museum and the school has a great partnership with Barrow Submariners Association.

Cheryl Hagen, a teacher and art co-ordinator at Brisbane Park Infant School, said:"We want to celebrate the history of where we live through this playground. We are looking for old rowing boats that people could donate to us. We'd also like to decorate the wall. It's a very high wall that is not very inspiring.

"The children are really interested in boats and reading books about pirates."

The school will also be fundraising for a climbing wall for the playground.

Anyone who can help with a nautical and decorating equipment donation is asked to call the school on 01229 833840.