A GROUP of mums have completed a freezing cold challenge to save their village’s playground.

Ten women from Staveley challenged themselves to collectively swim 50 times in Lake District waters in December and January to raise funds to refurbish the village’s playground.

The playground was closed due to safety concerns in October and residents need at least £120,000 to complete the works.

“The popular playground in Staveley has sadly deteriorated in the last few years; the surface has become cracked and most of the equipment worn,” said resident and fundraiser Jenny Blackburn.

“The playground is village-owned by Staveley Village Association and thus the village is responsible for raising the money for refurbishment.

“With its closure, there is no safe, dedicated place in the village for children to meet, exercise and play.”

£1,620 was raised through the swim challenge and enough money has been accumulated through a combination of donations from businesses, community events and grants to begin phase one of the refurbishments.

Another £20,000 is still needed to complete phase two which will see the playground finished.

“Staveley is united in our efforts to address this and create a new playground for the whole community to enjoy,” said Ms Blackburn.

“We aim to provide a facility that is the centrepiece of our village which will help families reconnect with the outdoors and with one another, which is especially important after the recent lockdowns.”

People can still donate at gofund.me/dbc09295