Dozens of toddlers have helped an Ipswich pre-school raise funds to improve its outdoor play area – by taking part in a ‘Bunny Bounce’ challenge.

Children at Noah’s Ark Pre-School in Cauldwell Hall Road were given two minutes to perform as many bounces as they could in an indoor bouncy castle this week.

They were sponsored by their parents and helped raise vital cash for the pre-school, which is a registered charity.

Sue Woollard, early years practitioner and fundraiser co-ordinator at the pre-school, said: “We are fundraising to enhance our garden outside space. Initially, we want to create an undercover area for free-flow play for the children so they can go out whatever the weather, which is part of the early years foundation stage curriculum.

“The children were very excited and were really happy to take part. They got into the Easter spirit, which was part of the fun of it. They came dressed in bunny ears and one little girl had a little bunny tail.

“We counted how many bounces they could do in two minutes in the bouncy castle and I would like to thank the parents, grandparents and other family members for their support.”

The pre-school has also received a £200 cash boost from the nearby Woodbridge Road branch of Sainsbury’s.

Mrs Woollard added: “I would like to thank Sainsbury’s, the Candy Box shop in Woodbridge Road for donating chocolate chicks and Finest Bouncy Castle Hire for letting us use their bouncy castle for three days.”