A community has received a boost after securing funding to replace play equipment for village youngsters.

Piddlehinton Millennium Green Trustees, all of whom are volunteers, have been able to replace the green’s play equipment for their community open space thanks to support from Wessex Water.

In 2003 the village won a Watermark Award from the firm to buy play equipment and 15 years of wear and tear has meant the original wooden play structure has had to be replaced.

The group has been successful in another Watermark Award of £500 to purchase new kit.

The award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. Now in its 25th year, it has supported nearly 1,000 environmental initiatives.

The Wessex Watermark Awards are organised by The Conservation Foundation which judges all the projects.

Sue Hennessy from Piddlehinton Millennium Green said: “This is a long-term investment for the village.

“Repairing the much used and much loved play structure was not financially viable. The £500 Watermark Award which we received in 2003 has now been matched by a similar Watermark Award."

She added: “We started the project with a community consultation exercise and received a very clear message from young people – ‘please do this because we so value what we have but can see it needs to be improved’.

“Among the benefits listed is that following our extensive consultation, our young people will know they have been listened to and hopefully this will encourage their community spirit.

"The Millennium Green is open and accessible to all and is a special place, ideal for recreation, family and community use.”

Paul Delves, Wessex Water’s Project Manager who presented the award, said: “Piddlehinton Millennium Green Trustees, together with other volunteers, take on regular maintenance of the green’s hedges and trees as well as annual river clearing and Wessex Water is delighted to continue its support for Piddlehinton Millennium Green.”

To mark the fact almost 1,000 projects have been supported by the award scheme, a new award is being launched.

Now communities can apply for a special Anniversary Watermark to help with installing water bottle refill points that will reduce single use plastic drinking bottles.

For more information email info@conservationfoundation.co.uk