CHILDREN in Levens are over the moon with new play equipment installed in their playing fields after 18 months of planning and fundraising.

The previous play equipment was old and dilapidated and so with the unwavering support of the community, the Playing Fields Committee made big plans to replace it with something new and unique.

Treasurer Alice Sharples said: "Levens children and the community have been involved from the outset via public consultations, visits to the village playgroup and brilliant, imaginative hand drawn designs from the children at Levens CE Primary School.

"Online surveys and a popular village Facebook page (Levens Playing Fields) enabled the committee to listen to and communicate progress with the community.

""We have been fundraising for the past 18 months with coffee mornings, our much loved annual marquee dance and vintage tea party and Halloween spectacular."

Generous donations were received from Orsted, Locally Important Projects (LIPs), Cumbria County Council, Frieda Scott, Jim Bland (members fund), South Lakes Housing and Levens WI and Furness Building Society.

The majority of equipment including new swings, a toddler unit, junior tower and spinning seesaw was provided and installed by Haverthwaite-based Playdale.

But the most unique pieces of equipment were bespoke designed and made and are proving extremely popular with Levens’ children.

An imitation Massey Ferguson tractor was generously funded by P.V Dobsons and Massey Ferguson and is a poignant dedication to the late Alan Dobson of Levens and P.V Dobson. And the tipping trailer slide was majority funded by Levens Charity.