Following Government cuts, a Watford school has launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for new playground equipment.

And for their first money-making event, staff and students from Coates Way Junior Mixed Infant and Nursery School have decided on a “Guess my name” competition for a teddy bear.

Headteacher Steve Wells explained: “Like many other schools, because of the financial climate we have faced cuts in the grants we have received.

“This has had an impact on our ability to update parts of the school – particularly the play area.

“We had wanted to buy climbing frames and playground equipment for students, but have found it difficult to fund.

“Rather than feel sorry for ourselves, we’ve been proactive. We’re going to be holding a number of fundraisers throughout the year.

“The sky’s the limit, we need to raise as much money as we possibly can.”

The teddy, cream in colour, is currently on display in the Harvester in St Albans Road, Garston.

Visitors to the restaurant can pay £1 to enter the competition, and win the chance to keep the bear, if the correct name is guessed, by Saturday, July 1.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, who is supporting the school’s campaign, said: “We are facing a difficult financial climate, and schools across the county have been affected.

“It’s a wonderful initiative Coates Way School have adopted, it’s great to see that they are doing everything they can in the face of these cuts.”