A drive to help primary schools in Suffolk unlock thousands of pounds for vital sports equipment is being launched.

East Anglian Daily Times: Libby takes to the air in hurdle practice watched by Abigail, Emily, Commonwealth Athlete Serita Soloman, George and Aaran get pointers on hurdling from at Eyke Primary School after finding out the school has won the Sports for School competition.Libby takes to the air in hurdle practice watched by Abigail, Emily, Commonwealth Athlete Serita Soloman, George and Aaran get pointers on hurdling from at Eyke Primary School after finding out the school has won the Sports for School competition.

The EADT has teamed up with Sports for Schools to kick-start the campaign, which will see schools and communities collect tokens to win a share of a £20,000 sports kit cash pot.

From next Monday until April, special tokens will be printed in every edition of our newspaper - and parents, school staff and the local community can collect and donate them.

The top three schools with the most tokens - calculated on a pro rata basis based on pupil numbers - will receive prizes of £5,000, £3,000 or £2,000, while schools which collect 1,000 tokens will receive a free sports pack.

Despite a challenging climate for schools, the vast majority work tirelessly to make sure sport, and health, is still at the top of the agenda.

Eyke Primary School won the Sports for Schools competition last time. It claimed the top prize of £5,000 to improve sports provision and was treated to an inspirational Q&A session with British hurdler Serita Solomon.

Headteacher Debbie Scurrell said at the time that the windfall would contribute towards a sustainable PE department, and providing lunchtime sports equipment would be considered.

She said: “We believe that physical exercise is just as important as academic exercise.

“It is a holistic approach to children’s learning. If you are physically fit, then you can prepare yourself to be mentally fit, and vice versa.

“That is something which Serita said. We could not have asked for a better role model.

“She talked about not being afraid to have a go at sport. Sometimes children lack confidence to even have a go, and she said to use your fears, and embrace your fears, and make that energy work for you, particularly when you are competing.”

Tokens will be printed in the EADT every day from Monday, February 5, 2018 to Saturday, April 14, 2018.

There will be one token a day but look out for bonus tokens and two tokens every Saturday.

The school with the most tokens as an average of total pupils will win, meaning that all schools have a chance, both big and small.

And don’t forget that every school which collects a minimum of 1,000 tokens will also receive a free sports pack worth over £60.