A fundraising group that will provide play equipment at Kingsdown has got off to a great start.

The landlord of the King’s Head pub in the village presented a cheque for £856 to the newly formed Friends of Kingsdown Play Park who are determined to revamp the park on Ringwould Road.

Estate agents Marshall and Clarke have also given £250.

Chairman Lisa Dennison said: “The aim is to create an exciting new park for the village.

"We intend to replace the play equipment, make the park safer for children and more accessible for all” - Lisa Dennison chairwoman, FKPP

“With the support of the parish council, we intend to replace the play equipment, make the park safer for children and more accessible for all.”

Meanwhile, pupils at Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary School got out their pens and pencils and entered a competition to design their perfect park.

Louis Reading from Year 1 was the winner in the infant category, while Shannon Cartwright from Year 6 came first in the junior section. Maya Maginn from Year 1 and Wallis Wright from Year 4 were the runners-up.

Mrs Dennison added: “We had lots of fantastic entries that have given us some great ideas to include in the design of the new park.”

King’s Head landlady Amanda Sumner held coffee mornings and organised Halloween hunts to raise the funds.

She thanked everyone who supported the events and said: “We would like to wish The Friends of Kingsdown Play Park the best of luck with their other fundraising events to make the new park possible.”

Mrs Dennison said: “This is a fantastic start and we’d like to thank Amanda and Alex from The King’s Head for their support, also Marshall and Clarke.

“We intend to raise enough money through fundraising, grants and donations to create a fun space for all ages.

“The whole community is getting behind the project and we can’t wait to see the finished result.”

To support the Friends of Kingsdown Play Park, or to pledge cash, or hold an event, click here.