Marathon man Ray Matthews opens his "fabulous" playground at Newman School

Pictured (from left to right) are, Jayne Rimmer with McKenzie, Lucy Dalton with Lucas, headteacher, Paul Silvester with Harland and Laura Scott with Grace. 172113-2

Ray (76) originally planned to just complete 75 marathons in 75 days to celebrate his 75th birthday last year without doing any fundraising - but ended up raising more than £35,000 for the playground and a woodland trail at the school.

And, after construction firms Fortem and Eurovia and Rotherham Sitwell Rotary Club agreed to carry out the work free of charge, youngsters are now enjoying their new facilities.

Head teacher Paul Silvester said: “The new playground is fabulous - the children are really enjoying using it.

“The more our children can get outdoors the better - and Ray has allowed that to happen.”

In September, Ray unveiled the woodland trail through the school’s grounds.

The new playground features a specialist roundabout, which can be used by children in wheelchairs, swings and a climbing frame - all on a specialist soft tarmac floor.

Ray, of Maltby, said: “It’s fantastic to see the joy on the children’s faces and it’s a dream come true to see them enjoying the new facilities.”