Ballasalla School has been given a basketball hoop by its local authority.

Chairman of Malew Commissioners Mike Norrey visited to the school to present the post to the children.

The school says the post has already been a great hit at playtimes.

Mr Norrey said: ’Malew Commissioners are pleased to be able to support the school and the wider youth of the community with the new equipment and encouraging outdoor activity. It was certainly a hit with the pupils on the day.’

Headteacher Jamie Cox said: I’d just like to thank the commissioners for their support in providing this new and exciting activity for the children. It is extremely popular with both children from the school and those in the wider community.

’In particular, it is also used by the Youth Service on a Wednesday evening when Youth Club takes place in the Community House.’

Davin Tasker, pupil aged 10, said: ’It is much better than the old one - it has a proper back board!’

Cameron McDougall, pupil aged 10, said: ’The younger children are playing basketball too now and we like that it is cemented in as it makes it more stable.’