A NEW play park for Chickerell is edging closer to reality.

Fundraisers have been organising events over the last few months in an effort to collect money which will pay for the new equipment.

Now the Chickerell @ Play group members are near to their £8,000 target after a significant donation.

Hilary Bennett and Lesley Rose representing the former Chickerell Youth Club management committee presented a bumper cheque for £2,000.

Founder of Chickerell @ Play Julie Cleaver said there would be another fundraising event in March which should bring the total up to the magic £8,000 target.

She added: “The various fundraising efforts, kind donations from members of the public, local businesses, organisations and Chickerell Town Council have all contributed to the success of this community project, so we would like to thank everyone involved.”

The project came about after schoolgirl Ellie Cleaver-Coles wondered why her community didn’t have a decent playground. She addressed fellow pupils in a special assembly at Chickerell Primary School.

Year five pupil Billy Doonan then won a competition for the best playground design with a giant hamster wheel.

Parents, school governors and councils have backed the project but the community must raise 10 per cent of the £80,000 cost.

The fundraising team is Leah Howell, Lorraine Llewellyn, Nathalie Carter, Katie Elliott, Karen Elliott, Julie Cleaver, Mandy Murphy, Charlie Sheppard, Lee Ann Carter and Linda Elliott.

The group has also been successful in conjunction with Chickerell Primary School and Chickerell Town Council in securing an offer of an Extended Schools grant from Dorset County Council for a brand new multi use games area.