VOTES are now needed in an 'X Factor' style TV phone-in to help a South Lakes community group win £50,000 for a new children's play area.

The Millerground Enhancement Group's 'Windermere RePlay' project is one of just two in Cumbria shortlisted as part of the 'People's Millions' project which will go head-to-head for cash from the Big Lottery Fund and ITV.

The group has big plans for an open space on the shore of Windermere, off Rayrigg Road.

"We should be able to build a very nice play area," explained Windermere Town Council member, John Saunders, who is leading the project.

"It should be suitable for youngsters, teenagers, as well as young people.

"We're also hoping to get exercise equipment so even I will use it and lose a bit of weight!"

He said if the group wins the cash it will also create a 'family area' with picnic tables, all using materials such as timber.

The Windermere RePlay bid is to feature in a short film to be shown on ITV Border news tomorrow, along with information about a rival project in Carlisle.

Viewers will then be invited to phone in to vote for the project they would like to see get the money and whichever receives the most votes will get the £50,000 prize.

"This is like the X Factor for community projects – and we are appealing for South Lakeland residents to back us to win," continued Cllr Saunders.

"Millerground is already a wonderful community asset but we want to make it even better and to encourage more people of all ages to enjoy it.

"It really is a wonderful place and it’s somewhere that everyone in South Lakeland can enjoy, as well as being a great addition to the area’s tourism offer, which supports the local economy and so many local businesses."

The Millerground Enhancement Group was set up by the Windermere and Bowness Civic Society almost a year ago to restore the open space back to the much-loved and well-used park it once was.

The 39-acre site is owned by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), Rayrigg Meadow Trust and the National Trust.

The phone number for voting will not be known until tomorrow and will be published on www.peoplesmillions.org.uk. It will also be published in the Daily Mirror tomorrow.

Alternatively, contact SLDC on 01539-733 333 on the day and they will be able to hand out the number.

For more information visit the Windermere RePlay Facebook page at www.facebook.com/windermerereplay