A GROUP of Colaton Raleigh mums have given their children a safe place to play this summer, after rallying round to raise funds for a new park. The Colaton Raleigh Action Group spent months tirelessly raising thousands of pounds so that play equipment cou

A GROUP of Colaton Raleigh mums have given their children a safe place to play this summer, after rallying round to raise funds for a new park.

The Colaton Raleigh Action Group spent months tirelessly raising thousands of pounds so that play equipment could be installed on a grassed area of community land.

Now the group is hoping to raise enough funds for a hard 'astro' surface, where the youngsters can play ball games without tripping over uneven ground.

The new park equipment was last week officially opened by the chairman of the parish council, Christopher Pound.

A spokesman for the Colaton Raleigh Action Group said the park project had become a community effort and united the village.

The spokesman said: "We have done really well for a little village.

"It's not just about the play park - it's the process of getting the money.

"It's brought all the mums together.

"It's been hard work.

"We have all got our own niche within the community and all had some input.

"Before, there only used to be a slide and a swing - and that was way too high, so no one could get on it.

"There was a need for a new park because there are lots of families moving to the village with small children."

The fundraising mission began in September 2008 and ended in May 2009.

The group raised �7,000, after applying for a number of grants and organising fundraising events.

Clinton Devon Estates chipped in �500, and Tesco and mobile phone giant O2 also contributed.

The group is now preparing raise funds to create a level 28 by 12 metre hard surface area which will replace the uneven grass.