A FORLORN little playground in Berrynarbor is about to get a facelift — to the tune of £23,000.

And it has been made possible thanks to an Awards for All grant of £10,000, from the Big Lottery Fund — as well as lots of helping hands in the village.

Berrynarbor's parish council chairman Sue Sussex applied for the grant and is delighted that work will soon be underway at the Manor Hall children's playground.

Sue, who is also a district councillor, said: "I am thrilled to have been successful in my application for a grant.

"The parish council has been striving for four years to be in a position to fund this very much needed project."

She said the council had consulted with parents to find out what would be the most benefit to the children in the village.

And she added: "We are grateful for the help and input from two local mums, Gemma Bacon and Louise Richards.

"And local people, as always in Berrynarbor, are helping to keep costs down by volunteering their services."

She said among them were Matt Bacon of Advanced Scaffolding, Dave Richards from Moules Farm and parish councillor Clive Richards, who have helped make the refurbishment possible, together with a small grant from "The Berrynarbor Broadcasting Company".

Sue said: "The existing playground is behind the Manor Hall where the local play school is based and is in close to the school. It will benefit not only local children, but also the many visitors to the village that use it as well.

"The playground at present and for many years has only consisted of a slide and two swings, which are being retained. The design for the playground is based on exercise and fun, but will give almost 32 linear metres of continuous activity, together with a roundabout for children to enjoy."

Sue said a completion date was not certain, but should be before the end of March.

"Obtaining this grant means that financially, the council is now in a position to consider other projects within the parish."