A NEWLY formed charity is one step closer to achieving ambitious plans to offer South Lakes residents a new indoor play area.

Community group Outside-In has successfully raised £100,000 to provide a not for profit play area in Kendal.

Founded by John and Mhairi Helme, the couple undertook a survey of which around 600 parents in Kendal responded expressing a "big wish" on the project to become a reality.

However, £15,000 still needs to be raised in order for it to happen.

Mrs Helme hoped that the indoor play area would create a "welcoming and loving atmosphere".

"We want this to be so much more than a play area," she said.

"We want it to be an inclusive community space, a real place for residents to come together."

"The aim is to make it accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation."

The charity has worked closed with Manna House, Sandgate School, Leonard Cheshire Disability and Mind to make the project as inclusive as possible.

It has been suggested that the play area could operate on a not-for-profit basis and there will be a suggested minimum donation fee.

A new premise has been agreed on for the play area and the charity is undergoing a feasibility investigation to see if the centre can provide with a fully accessible and publicly available Changing Places Toilet.

Mrs Helme has launched an appeal to local businesses and individuals who could help achieve the final fundraising target.

The mum of two is also publishing a children's book and all of her proceeds will go to the centre.

The book, Fire and Ice Cream, illustrated by Bella Sinclair, is a about a dragon who can't eat ice-cream because his fiery breath keeps melting it.

The children's story will be published in the next couple of weeks.

To donate and help the charity reach the target go on: www.gofundme.com/open-an-indoor-play-area-for-kendal