A community plea to help resurrect the Champernowne play park has paid off after funds to replace equipment were forthcoming.

The Champernowne Play Park Steering Group’s campaign was selected by Tesco for its Bags of Help scheme, securing £1,000 for the project.

The play park was once a hive of activity in the Champernowne area of Modbury, with a wide range of play equipment.

Over time the play equipment fell into disrepair and had to be removed, leaving just two swings. So a group of local mums and volunteers decided to do something about it.

The group asked for support from the community to get behind its campaign by donating shopping tokens in Tesco – and the project received the most backing.

Monica Yunnie, treasurer of the steering group, said: “I think we might even celebrate this fabulous result with an extra Hobnob at our next meeting.

“The new play area will mean families and children will once again have a safe space to play. We’re almost there.”

Having already applied for a grant from the Government’s new pocket parks fund launched last month, the latest cash boost means the group is on course to reach its target.

LiveWest, the south west’s largest housing association, has been providing staff support and coordination to the steering group.

LiveWest community connector Charlotte Holdsworth said: “This is a great way to start the year.

“I really feel we’re finally on the last leg of this incredible journey that the group and our volunteers have been on.

“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from the parish council and the community. Let’s all make a final push on fundraising so we can get started.”

The estimated cost for a restored play park is £42,000. So far, almost 80 per cent of the budget has been raised with help from the South Hams District Council Community Reinvestment Fund,

Tesco Bags of Help, the Norman Family Charitable Trust and Devon Safer Communities.

The project was successful in applying to SHDC’s Community Reinvestment Fund, which is overseen by both SHDC and West Devon Borough Council.

Modbury Parish Council has agreed to manage the restored play park and look after routine maintenance, while volunteers have said they will fundraise every year for a budget to replace worn or broken equipment so the park does not end up like the last one.

A parish council spokesman said: “We’re delighted to hear this news.

“The group and its many volunteers have put in an enormous effort over the past couple of years to raise the fund to restore and return this much missed play park to the children of Modbury.

“We wish them every success and look forward to seeing work commence on the new play park.”

A spokesperson for SHDC said: “We were thrilled to be able to assist the residents of Champernowne with their project.

“It really is a great project and we’re always glad to be able to support active communities and empower residents across the South Hams.”