FORMER England rugby player Mick Skinner dropped in at Laleham Gap school in Broadstairs to open a new tyre play area last month.

Former Harlequins player Mr Skinner is the county's honorary president for Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity which provided £14,400 towards the area's construction costs. The balance was made up by the Baily Thomas Charitable Trust.

Staff at the school were keen to secure funding for the tyre play equipment as the rounded shape was appealing to children with autistic spectrum disorders, who do not like sharp angles. Head teacher Keith Mileham said: "I would like to thank Mick Skinner and the Wooden Spoon for donating a large amount of money to the school's adventure playground."