Coffee granules are to become grains of sand at one Helston nursery thanks to the fundraising efforts of parents.

Nansloe Academy has spent thousands of pounds updating the outdoor play equipment for its nursery, which can also be used by older pupils, but funds just fell short of replacing the sandpit.

Undeterred, the parents of pupils at the nursery stepped in to fundraise themselves, holding a coffee afternoon.

They baked cakes to sell, made healthy smoothies with the children and decorated buns with them.

The largest amount was taken through the raffle, which featured almost 50 prizes donated by parents and businesses in Helston and Porthleven, from a cut and blow dry through to a £50 meal voucher.

This is believed to have made £601, with another £300 donated by Helston electrician Rich Williams. The school has agreed to fund the last £100 needed.

Early years teacher Ann Reid said: "The children asked if they could have a new sandpit and I said, 'Let's see if we can raise the money. I spoke to the mums and dads and they're such an amazing group.

"Everybody in the community works together at Nansloe. It's the first time the school has every done anything like this and it's the parents that came up with the idea."

She thanked all the local businesses that donated prizes, Rich Williams for his donation and all the parents for their "constant support and help."

"They really do thrive on doing everything to make sure their child has the best opportunities," she added.