A group of residents has joined forces in a fundraising initiative to turn a dilapidated playground in St Albans into a new play facility.

The Friends of Victoria Playing Field (FVPF), who organise the annual Larks in the Parks on the site, has launched a fundraising appeal via crowdfunding platform Spacehive to raise £63,689 to help fund a new playground for children of all ages.

FVPF is working in partnership with St Albans District Council who have already pledged £44,000 which will replace current equipment in the playground.

The additional £20,000 will be used to improve the playground even more, including using sustainable materials on the playground.

The Friends’ aim is to extend the range and type of play equipment.

This will include new features such as a multi-play activity circuit with tower, slide, climbing, balancing and interactive elements.

There will also be the more traditional swings, seesaws and climbing frame.

Friends member Tim Leicester said: “It’s fantastic seeing the community coming together to support this.

"We’ve had children donate their pocket money, families giving money and local businesses pledging their support.

"We are thrilled with the amount raised so far but if we don’t reach our crowd funding target we won’t see any of the money.

"If you are thinking of donating please do it now. We are so near, yet so far.

“This playground will be a fantastic facility for all St Albans residents to enjoy. So many people have worked so hard on this campaign. Please help us make it happen.”

The group has until February 20 to raise £10,000 if the community group are to receive any of the money.

For more information and to donate to the project visit: http://spacehive.com/StAlbansPlayground.