CHILDREN in Long Preston now have a fantastic new play area thanks to the village's playing fields appeal.

A group of residents have been working since 1996 to transform land on the edge of the village into a playing field with something for everyone.

So far they have made a level grassed area for football, constructed a car park and have just opened the latest phase of the project - a children's play area.

"Altogether the play area has cost about £15,000 and it is all installed, inspected and paid for. It is largely due to the efforts of the committee members and their sheer hard work," said treasurer Chris Wilcock.

Money for the project has come from Skipton Lions, Awards for All, Yorkshire Forward, Craven District Council and Settle Rotary Club as well as smaller fundraisers, and events on the field such as the annual Children's Day. There has also been help from Townson Tractors.

Many committee members have got stuck in to do the physical work themselves, so saving the village thousands of pounds.

Next on the project list is a hard core area for tennis and other games, then a bowling green will complete the entire scheme, although fundraising will continue to cover maintenance costs.

The committee is chaired by Jackie Couper and the secretary is Liz Bland. Other members are Roy Newhouse, Dave Monks, Eric Gledhill, Chris Moorby, Julie Syers, John Rogers, Stuart Kemp and Gordon Charnley.

The field, which was bought for the village by the parish council, is also used for the annual bonfire and Children's Day.

On May 20 it will be used as the base for a series of walks to raise money to finance the next stage of the project.

The Long Preston Plod offers hikers the choice of three walks. The longest, an 18 and a half mile route, costs £7. It leaves the playing fields at 8am.

Later in the day walkers will leave on the nine mile hike which costs £5. The shortest £3 walk is around five miles and suitable for children. It leaves at 3pm. Refreshments are provided and there will be a barbecue.

Anyone interested should contact Chris Moorby on 01729 840832 by April 30.

Picture by Stephen Garnett shows the playing fields group.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.