FOR the first time in nearly 140 years, children at a York village primary school will be able to play football on a proper pitch.

Youngsters at one of York’s smallest primary schools, Naburn CE, have previously had to hold their football games and sports days at a local caravan park.

But now all that will be a thing of the past because the village hall committee has managed to lease some land in the village for everyone to use, including the school for all its sporting needs.

The school’s head teacher, Nicola Stephenson Barr, said: “We are all absolutely delighted about this and the children are really thrilled. Previously the children would have had to walk down to Naburn Caravan Park for events, but this will mean that they can have a dedicated pitch to use. It should be great.”

Naburn Primary School dates back to 1872, and with only 83 children, aged 4 to 11 years, it is one of York’s smallest schools. The Victorian building has been extended in recent years, but in its long history it has never had its own football pitch because of a lack of open space around the school.

Mrs Stephenson Barr was hopeful a village football team could now be formed. She said children and families would also have a village park with play equipment.

The official opening of the pitch is on Sunday, February 22, at 1.30pm and the ribbon will be cut by the great niece of Commander Palmes, who was the original land owner of Naburn and Naburn Hall.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event which will include a “lads versus dads” football match; a tug-of-war and a family rounders match.

Tea and coffee will be served by the village pub and after the events people can return to the pub for burgers and hotdogs and a family music quiz.