CAMPAIGNERS have launched an appeal to fund the next phase of a specialist play area in East Dorset.

The project, at the King George V Playing Fields in Ferndown, is aimed at creating a play area for disabled and abled bodied youngsters to play alongside each other safely.

The first phase opened last summer when disabled swings were installed along with a special hard surface pathway for wheelchairs, disabled toilet and a specialist piece of play equipment shaped like a ship and featuring tactile panels.

Now the second phase totalling around £40,000 is being launched.

Town councillor Doug Lock said: "We are going to get rid of some hedging and the old tin shelter to free up some space to put in more equipment like a roundabout which two wheelchairs can be slotted into.

"We also want to replace the zip wire with another more modern one and get rid of the wooden play unit towards the end because it is wobbling and I don't think it's that safe myself. In its place will go more equipment including a wide slide so that carers can slide down with disabled children because at the moment they can't use the slide we've got."

He added: "We have sent out appeal letters this week to groups who helped us before like the Lions asking whether they can support us again.

"We also have two golf tournaments coming up which have pledged to give us money and the Mayor John Rigler has made us one of his chosen charities."

But the town council is hoping other organisations and fund-raisers will come forward to help them reach their target and improve the play area.

Cllr Lock said: "They really enjoy it down here. The autistic children love the ship because they feel safe inside and the swings are very well used. We want to get them even more."