A SOUTH Somerset village needs your help if they are to to be awarded vital funds to revitalise the playing fields.

The Horton Playing Field Project has until this Friday to collect as many votes as possible in support of their vision and potentially kick-start their funding.

The group was set up in August 2017 after villagers met to try and come up with a plan for their ‘very uninspiring and underused playing field’.

The project committee is made up of eight committee members, 41 group members ranging in age from three to over 75.

They also have more than 100 active members on Facebook.

Raymond Buckler, the project chairman, said: “(The playing field) comprised of only a few old swings, a tired small toddler multi frame and a skate park in a poor state of repair.

“There was no seating, the only picnic bench was rotting, and the goalposts were rusty and leaning over.

“Since the end of last year, with the help of our district councillor Linda Piggott-Vijeh and Horton Parish Council, a grounds maintenance plan is now in place, the existing skateboard ramps have undergone a refit and update, swings and slides have undergone a well needed spring clean and re-paint, and the goalposts have been through rust removal and full repaint.”

The group are hoping to build on their early success with the help of a Skipton Community Grassroots Giving 2018 grant.

Mr Buckler added: “Our Project vision over the next two years is to deliver in incremental stages, an attractive green space and recreational facility for our entire community.

“The Horton Playing Field Project has created a vibrant sense of community spirit where all are keen to be a part of the regeneration and renewal of our playing field, providing a lasting space for future generations to enjoy and be proud of.”

As well as trying to gain support for their Skipton grassroots grant, the group are also currently carrying out a consultation with villagers on a potential future layout for their park area.

Mr Buckler said: “We have been very fortunate to be shortlisted as finalists from more than 740 applications.

“This will not only provide us with a starting point for our project funding to add to our fundraising efforts, but it will specifically allow us to purchase much needed seating benches and replace the existing rotten picnic bench.

“The community is keen to see some progress with our Project and the volunteers would benefit from a much-needed reward for all their tireless work thus far.”

Anyone can vote for the playing field project, just visit www.skiptongrg.co.uk/apply-for-funding.