We've got Britain's worst playground.. and we're delighted!

IT HAS no grass, no play equipment and its pothole-ridden surface is considered dangerous to children.

Now Murrayburn Primary has been officially recognised as having the worst school playground in the UK - to the delight of parents and staff.

The questionable honour has earned the Sighthill school a 30,000 makeover, meaning its pupils will finally get somewhere fun and safe to play at break times.

Murrayburn was chosen out of 1200 entrants from across the UK in Ronseal's Playground Project competition. It was shortlisted to the final six earlier this month and was crowned overall winner after a public vote on Ronseal's Facebook page.

Carol Swan, chair of Murrayburn Primary's parent council, said: "I am so happy for all the children at Murrayburn. We ran a great campaign and I am so proud of everyone who worked so hard on behalf of the school.

"This will not fix everything that is wrong with our playground, but it is a great start.

Murrayburn's only piece of play equipment - a wooden train - was condemned earlier this year by school bosses after the bad weather rotted the wood.

The new playground will be designed by specialists Timberline in consultation with the school and the council. It is hoped that the school will receive a new train, or similar play equipment, as part of the makeover.

Ms Swan added: "The playground at the moment is full of potholes and does need resurfacing and it is very unsafe for the children. Our first priority is to make it a safe place to play.

"We'd like to say a special thank-you to all of those who voted for us on Facebook.

"Earlier this year, the only piece of play equipment the school had became rotten and unsafe for use, meaning pupils don't currently have any playground facilities."

Murrayburn Primary has been the victim of sustained vandal attacks, with the school having to pay for replacement windows. Over the past few years, vandals have caused more than 8500 worth of damage to the school.

Parents also complained that staff were constantly having to clear up discarded bottles from the playground on Monday mornings.

More than 20,000 people voted for the six schools in the competition, with Murrayburn receiving 6663 to take the top spot.

It is understood Murrayburn, which was the only Scottish school to be shortlisted, won by around 1000 votes.

City education leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren said: "I am delighted that Murrayburn Primary School have picked up this excellent prize. We were pleased to support the school's high-profile campaign.The local parent council put a lot of hard work into kicking the campaign off and kept the momentum going throughout.

"The new playground will be hugely beneficial to both the school and local community."

Ronseal launched the competition in March along with playground equipment specialists Timberline to offer schools struggling with budget cuts the chance to win a playground for their pupils.

Kate Hodge, brand manager at Ronseal, said: "The response to this competition has been overwhelming and we want to offer our thanks to all of the schools and individuals who took part and voted.

"Our congratulations go to Murrayburn Primary School for being the official winner and we hope the children will enjoy every minute that they spend using their new playground equipment."