THE STUFF THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

More than 70 pupils from Blyton Church of England Primary School drew up plans of their dream playground in a bid to convince county funding chiefs they needed a new facility.

Blyton Parish Council will now meet playground specialists next week to discuss plans for the site - behind the village hall.

The former park was shut because play equipment was too old to repair and had to be removed.

But a new park - aimed at youngsters up to 12 years old - could open by next spring, offering monkey swings, playground games and a dedicated area for the Wise Owl Kindergarten.

Chair of the kindergarten Tracey Sissons was thrilled by the news and said it would allow them to spend a 4,000 grant they had been saving for outdoor play equipment.

She said: "We desperately need an outside play area because at the moment we are in the village hall and the kids can get a bit frustrated cooped up, especially if it's a nice day. A dedicated area would be safe - which is another reason we don't let them play out.

She added: "There have been rumours around the village that we are going to shut but we are not - we are here to say and this will be fantastic for us."

Funding for the project was finally confirmed last week, with Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council, Rural Advanced Community Learners and the parish council contributing.

It is the second time the grass-roots authority has tried to draw down funding. An an application for a 30,000 playground was turned down a year ago.

Chair Deirdre Speed, who meets with a play equipment manufacturers next Tuesday, said it would be an on-going project with new facilities added as they gained more funding.

She said: "It is great we will finally be able to do a project we have had in mind for a couple of years. There will be something in the village for the kids that is long overdue, and hopefully it will be respected and enjoyed."