A £20,000 appeal has been launched to replace play equipment in New Hedges.

The village’s popular playground, at the rear of the village hall, has been demolished because it was not cost-effective to repair.

Although the new play area will be partially up and running with a set of swings this summer, in the longer-term, the New Hedges Village Hall committee is hoping that the community will show its support for future fund-raising.

Said hall chairman, Howard Rawson-Humphries: “For over 10 years, the play area has been a very well-used facility, enjoyed not only by local youngsters, but visitors to the village, and we want that to continue.

“We already have a Lottery application in the pipeline, but local fundraising is going to be very important in the months ahead.”

The play area appeal has made an encouraging start with a donation of £100 from the McColl’s store in New Hedges, while a recent coffee evening and concert in the village hall raised £436.

Taking part to present a programme of music, song, verse and comedy were local artistes Dennis Reed, Graham Hughes, Alwen Hughes, John Butland, Charlie McPhee, Kevin Morgan, Eric Mullins, Jill Williams, Betty Carswell, Jean Williams and David and Joy Jeremiah.

Hall vice-chairman Christine Butland thanked everyone who helped to make the appeal’s first fund-raising event such a success.

She added: “We are also very grateful to Richard Reed and his team from Trevayne Farm, who came along to demolish the old play equipment free of charge, which has saved us a considerable amount of money.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the play equipment fund, or would like to help with fundraising, can contact Howard on (01834) 812455.