Fawley (July 7, 2006) -- Schoolchildren in Lymington can keep their cool at playtime after the installation of a fantastic new awning.

Lymington C of E (Aided) Infant School has taken delivery of the new equipment which protects part of the playground during the hottest part of the day and doubles up as an outdoor classroom.

The awning was bought mainly thanks to a donation of £1,000 from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley under a special scheme which recognises the efforts of ExxonMobil employees and their families who become school governors and contribute their time, talent and energy to schools. The scheme not only helps local schools, but also improves the links between ExxonMobil and the community. The Friends of Lymington Infant School also contributed £250 in installation costs to the project.

Jill Torrens, a school governor at Lymington Infant School and wife of Mike Torrens, a measurement engineer at Fawley, was the recipient of the grant. She said: “We are all very aware of the importance of sun protection nowadays. The school felt that it was important to offer children the chance to choose to play in the shade as well as in the sun, when temperatures are high in the summer months.

“The area also doubles up as an outdoor classroom and is a wonderful environment for children to learn outside.”

ExxonMobil is committed to being a good neighbour and awards a number of grants to local charities, community organisations and schools in the New Forest area each year.