Stamford playground appeal gets off to a great start raising £15,000 for play equipment at Rutland Heights

A campaign to raise money for a new playground has reached 25 per cent of its target in just three months.

Families living on the Rutland Heights estate in Stamford joined forces to raise £50,000 to buy new play equipment.

The estate has an adjoining field which is owned and maintained by South Kesteven District Council but over the years its equipment has been removed and not replaced.

Parents were told the council can't afford to buy new equipment so they set about raising the money themselves through the group HOPS - Heights of Play Scheme.

On Saturday volunteers added £458 to the pot after bag packing at Morrisons.

Chairman Nikki Howson said: "We would like to say a massive thank you to the generous people of Stamford for supporting us with donations. It was a fabulous effort by everyone involved."

The total raised stands at around £15,600.

Nikki added: "This is such an achievement in only a few months and we really hope this will encourage other businesses to get in touch and join us."

The group secured £13,960 from the Harry Skells Trust, £230 from the Waitrose green token scheme and £35 from a coffee morning in Great Casterton.

Just Paws Dog Grooming, Zumba Fia and Duncan and Toplis have also supported the project with donations and fundraising events.

The committee need to provide evidence of community involvement to allow them to apply for bigger grants, so are keen to hear from anyone else who would like to support the appeal.

They hope to raise enough money to provide a range of equipment for all ages.

To get involved join the HOPS - Heights of Play Facebook page or donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hops