COMMUNITY spirit is alive and kicking in Hawkley as villagers have almost self-funded their new £42,000 play area. 

The facility next to the cricket ground has been a huge hit with children and includes slides, climbing bars and swings.

Grant funding was minimal with the vast majority of proceeds coming from a village picnic, £100 ‘pledge’ plaques and donations from generous residents among others.

A local landscaping firm also helped out with surfacing while all the equipment has galvanised steel feet to prevent rot.

“It’s been a real coming together of all the community to make it happen,” said Hawkley parish councillor, Georgina Stewart.