VILLAGERS say they are "over the moon" to have moved a step closer to completely renovating their play park.

Levens playing field committee has been provisionally awarded £26,000 by offshore wind farm company Ørsted, which has sites off Walney Island.

“It’s great to see the committee striving to make a difference for young people in the area," said Imran Nawaz, stakeholder advisor at Ørsted. "Local community is at the heart of everything we do, so we’re delighted to be able to support the project.”

Alice Sharples, treasurer of Levens playing field committee, said members were "truly grateful" to Ørsted for the grant, alongside generous amounts given by South Lakeland District Council, Levens Parish Council, Cumbria county councillor Jim Bland, the Frieda Scott Trust, Levens WI, Furness Building Society, South Lakes Housing, Cumbria County Council, the Hare and Hounds pub and local fundraising.

The project is more than two-thirds of the way towards its £86,000 target, and plans include an outdoor table tennis table, a play tractor and tipping trailer slide.

"Following a consultation with the village community and Levens CE School children we know our play equipment is outdated," said Alice, "and we’re excited to be able to make our grand plans a reality.”

The playing field committee said the Levens community has "really come together" to support the project. Last week's "autumn spooktacular" party at the Institute raised £320 thanks to sales of home-made soup, hot dogs, themed cupcakes, bobbing apples and crafts. The event was supported by Levens Village Shop, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Booths at Milnthorpe.

The playing field includes a children's play area, two tennis courts, a basketball/hardcore football area, pavilion, six pieces of gym equipment, a bowling green and grass football pitch.

If you would like to donate to the renovation, visit the web page at tiny.cc/Levenspf

For updates see the Levens Playing Fields Facebook page.