TIME is ticking fast on a Chadderton school's bid to secure funding for an outdoor play area.

Whitegate End primary is the only Oldham school competing in this year's Aviva Community Fund out of 625 projects across the UK.

Launched by the school's Parents, Teachers and Friends Association the school is desperate to get the public's vote to become one of the 40 schemes selected to receive funding which they've requested for an outdoor gym to help boost pupil health, exercise and fresh air fun.

It would also be the first fixed play area for the Butterworth Lane school.

The PTFA has already raised half of the £10,000 needed for the gym so the Aviva grant would be a huge boost.

The projects are voted for on Aviva's website by the public but the deadline is noon tomorrow (Tuesday).

The Whitegate End bid has attracted 2,000 votes so far but needs more.

The school is calling for Oldham residents' help in a last-ditch attempt to help secure the cash by voting for the outdoor gym project.

A PTFA spokeswoman said: "The school playground really needs an overhaul and we can't think of a better way than fixed pieces of outside gym equipment. It would benefit the children emotionally and physically."

To vote go to www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/voting/project/view/4-2396. After registering you can vote up to 10 times.