PARENTS at the largest primary school in Galashiels are attempting to raise a pound for every pupil who's ever attended in its 144 year history.

Burgh Primary's parent council hope to further develop the school's rundown grounds.

And they need £5,000 to complete their ambitious project after obtaining partial funding.

Emma Millar from the Burgh parent council told us: "So far we have received generous grants from The National Lottery Awards for All, SBC Fast-Track Community Grants and The Hayward Sanderson Trust.

"This will allow us to install climbing apparatus, multi-goal posts and ball-shoot equipment as well as make a start to our Secret Garden, which turns a disused area of the school grounds into a well-being area.

"We are looking to raise up to £5,000 to complete the long over-due works.

"It will be the biggest addition to the playground since the school opened in 1875."

As well as regular school, Burgh Primary hosts Brownies, Live Borders activities and an after-school club, yet very little funding has been allocated to developing the outside areas.

The current roll at Burgh Primary is just over 200.

And organisers of The Playground Project estimate that around 5,000 children have come through the doors of the Gala Park primary since it first opened.

To help launch their appeal, the school's youngest pupil met up with one of its oldest former students.

Agnes Hogarth, aged 97, recalled her experiences in the classroom to Katie Crichton last week.

She said: "I started at the school in 1927 and really enjoyed my time there.

"I remember that my classroom had two swings in it as well as a fireplace. There was no grass in the playground and we had a shelter to stay out of the rain, which I believe is still there today."

Mrs Hogarth had fond memories of her time at the school and even went on to marry one of her fellow pupils.

However, she revealed that the strictest teacher in the school was her future husband’s aunt.

Burgh Primary School have set up a JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/burghprimaryplaygroundproject - and are encouraging current pupils, ex pupils and those whose loved ones attended the school to donate £1 in memory, celebration or support of the project.

Donators are also encouraged to leave a note alongside their donation with a memory of their time at the school.

Collecting tins are also available at the Burgh Primary School office, Trophy Guy in Market Street, T42 in the High Street, Premier Stores Scott Street, BJs and Buccleuch Cleaners in Gala Park.