PUPILS watched their dream play area take shape with the arrival of new equipment.

Excited pupils from Chickerell Primary School visited Willowbed Field to check progress on the £166,000 project.

They were invited by Chickerell mayor Jean Dunseith as equipment for the play area and games court was unveiled.

Coun Dunseith welcomed a group of five to ten-year-olds from the school council.

Contractors Monster Play Systems Ltd showed them how ideas from children were coming to life.

Town councillors also attended as the council owns and manages the field.

The town council has worked with Chickerell Primary School to provide the multi use games court for both community and school use.

Mayor Jean Dunseith said: “As well as showing the construction to the young people, it was a chance for them to find out more about their new play facilities and appreciate what was being provided. “Chickerell Town Council will be responsible for the maintenance of the play area and games court and we want to work with future users to keep it all in good condition for everyone to enjoy.”

The idea for a new play area was suggested in 2009 by Ellie Cleaver-Coles, now aged 11, when she approached the town council.

The group Chickerell@Play was formed and tasked to raise £8,000 and they set to work holding events such as cake sales, black tie events and Christmas sleigh rides.

The group reached its target in just 100 days and eventually raised £12,000.

Chickerell@Play co-founder Julie Cleaver said: “It was a real community effort. Everybody recognised that a new play area was needed so they pitched in to help.”

Dorset County Council provided £44,000 for the multi use games area and contributions also came from West Dorset District Council, Chickerell Primary School and Chickerell Town Council.

Schoolchildren were drafted in to produce designs for the project and the prize-winning idea came from Billy Doonan.

Mrs Cleaver said: “One of the reasons we got the children involved was if they felt they were contributing to the community it would be their playground.

“They would look after it and we wouldn’t get some of the vandalism problems we’ve maybe had in the past.”

The new Chickerell Youth Forum, Youfirst, has raised almost £10,000 for purpose-built seating.

It will include solar lighting and a Bluetooth facility with timed speakers so people can play their MP3 players while sitting there.

The work started in March and, depending on weather conditions, will take up to five weeks to complete.