THE Pyworthy Village Park trustees have expressed their gratitude to Waitrose Holsworthy for selecting the park as a beneficiary of their ‘Give A Little Love’ funding scheme.

The charity received a cheque for £333 which is proving to be a very useful addition to its funds.

Trustee Martin Brennan said: “The park trust was set up back in 1924 by Mr John Sanders of Yeomadon, who gave the field, now known as Sanders Park, to the parish for the use of the public. It was originally a field with a few seats along by the road, but it was welcomed by the young people of the village as a place to gather and play games.

“In the early 50s a large slide and a set of swings were erected, much to the delight of the villagers and the local primary school.

“Over the years we have been lucky enough, to be awarded a number of grants which have allowed us to install, new swings, roundabout, climbing frames, see-saw, monkey-bars, springy and a Wendy house.”

The park, in conjunction with the Sports Club, who are responsible and run the MUGA facilities, plays a very important and integral part of village life in Pyworthy. The park is also an operational site for Devon Air Ambulance in the event of an emergency within the locality.

Martin continued: “As with similar charities, unfortunately, over the past twelve to fourteen months we have been unable to hold our usual fundraising events, race nights, quiz nights, social gatherings, which would normally cover the cost of the public liability insurance and health and safety inspection premiums.”

All maintenance on the park is carried out by the trustees on a voluntary basis so the funding from Waitrose was very welcome.

Martin added: “It has also, been recently brought to our attention, that some vital work needs to be carried out to the children’s play area which, we are pleased to say, that due to the support of Waitrose, Holsworthy, new ‘Give a Little Love’ scheme works are now in the process of being completed.”