Pupils at Fordham All Saints CE Primary School will soon get to spend break times on board a Viking longboat which has been part-funded by local housebuilder Bellway.

The developer donated £500 towards the purchase of the five-metre wooden vessel, which will become the focal point of the school’s playground.

Bellway is building new homes at its Aspen Walk development in Colchester, just under two miles from the school.

The new play equipment, which cost £3,600, was installed last month.

Jenny Langley, Chairperson at Friends of Fordham, said: “With schools constantly being squeezed on resources and being faced with cost pressures, our role as Friends of Fordham is to organise events and fundraising activities throughout the year for our families and their children.

“Money raised is solely used to support and enrich the learning experience of the children at the school.

“We are so grateful to Bellway which has supported our fundraising project by generously donating £500 towards the Viking boat. It has proved to be very popular with the children, whilst encouraging social and imaginative play. It is wonderful to see Bellway engage closely with the local community and really make a difference.“

Jenny Walker, Sales Director for Bellway Essex, said: “At Bellway, we pride ourselves on forming relationships within the local communities where we build. Fordham All Saints CE Primary School is a well-established school which is close to our Aspen Walk development and will play a significant role in the lives of many of the people who live there.

“We’re pleased to have contributed to the school’s fundraising effort to purchase this exciting piece of play equipment. I am sure the pupils will get a great deal of enjoyment from being on board the longship and imagining life at sea.”

Bellway is currently building a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes at its Aspen Walk development, off Halstead Road.