Chewton Mendip Primary School will be expanding its outside play area after winning £5,000 in a national competition.

The school was awarded the money as part of the OneFamily Foundation Community Awards, which are run twice-yearly and provide life-changing sums to organisations, groups and projects across the UK.

The primary school will use the funding to extend its playground, installing new equipment that can be used by the whole community.

Chewton Mendip C of E Primary School was nominated for a Community Award by Ben Kane, a OneFamily customer, whose children attend the school. It was one of 24 organisations presented with an award in this latest round.

Claire Rice, Headteacher at Chewton Mendip C of E Primary School, said: “The playground is open to the whole community and the funding from the OneFamily Foundation means that lots more children will be able to enjoy it.

“We plan on expanding the site significantly, by installing a large tyre swing park. We’re so grateful to everyone in the local community that made this possible.”

The Community Awards are run by the OneFamily Foundation, an organisation set up by financial mutual OneFamily to redistribute a proportion of its profits to help its customers, their families and local communities.

Karl Elliott, Marketing Director at OneFamily, said: “Refurbishing and expanding the playground will have an impact in the local area, and we’re so pleased to be able to help more families to have fun outdoors.

“Our Community Awards are designed to benefit the causes closest to our customers’ hearts, giving community groups and projects the funding boost they need to continue to offer their vital work.

“The next Community Awards will launch on Monday, 19th September, so I’d urge all Somerset customers with an active policy to get involved and nominate a cause close to their heart.”

Through the OneFamily Foundation, OneFamily aspires to make £5million available to its customers – to improve their lives or to help them make a positive difference to their local communities.

For more information please visit: www.onefamily.com/your-foundation/community-awards/