are cheering after fundraisers hit their target to build a new park.

The youngsters came up with ideas for the new park in a brainstorming session at the village school.

Now parents and fundraisers from the Chickerell@Play group have raised £10,000 towards the £175,000 scheme – £2,000 more than their target.

Eight-year-old Jessica Sheppard, who helped raise money for the project, said: “I’m really excited that we’re going to get the park.

“I just wondered why we haven’t had it already but it should be really fun when it is here.”

Fellow fundraiser Charlie Jones, 10, added: “I’m really glad we’re getting our park now.

“We did have an older park but it’s been really badly damaged, so I’m happy that this one is coming.”

The young fundraisers’ parents are also celebrating the prospect of new play facilities.

Julie Cleaver, of Chickerell@Play, said: “I am so pleased that the project is now progressing well.

“Chickerell@Play would like to thank everyone who has supported the project.”

The play area will be on Willowbed Field, which is owned and managed by Chickerell Town Council.

The town council worked with Chickerell@Play to select a design which closely matched a prize-winning idea by pupil Billy Doonan during the school sessions.

The town council is also working with Chickerell Primary School to provide a multi-use games area on the field for both school and community use.

Plans for the games court are subject to planning permission but West Dorset District Council has decided that the children’s play area does not need it.

The rest of the money for the £175,000 scheme is coming from Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council, Chickerell Primary School and Chickerell Town Council with additional funds from CG Fry & Sons.

The new Chickerell Youth Forum, Youfirst, is raising funds for seating on the field that the whole community can use.

Chickerell Mayor Jean Dunseith said: “The designs for the play area are so exciting.”

Drawings for both the play area and multi-use games court can be seen at the town council offices at Willowbed Hall, Putton Lane.

The office is open from 8.30am to 3.15pm from Monday to Friday, closing at 1pm for 30 minutes.