A HUGE donation towards the �40,000 transformation of a Sidmouth play area will ensure children are gifted “an absolutely first-class facility”- and help regenerate part of the seafront.

A HUGE cash boost for a �40,000 transformation of a Sidmouth play area will ensure children are gifted “an absolutely first-class facility”- and help regenerate part of the seafront.

That is the hope of Sid Vale Association (SVA) leaders who handed out �10,000 of Keith Owen Fund cash to boost a project at The Ham.

Youngsters, mums and dads this week told the Herald they can’t wait to see proposals for the playground- set to be showcased for the first time next Wednesday.

Residents, young and old, can vote for their favourite during a fun day at The Ham on April 13.

Kids described the prospect of an eagerly anticipated re-vamp as “awesome.”

The Reverend Handel Bennett, SVA chairman, said he was “delighted” Sidmouth Town Council and their district counterparts had found funds to restore the play area.

He added: “We were equally as delighted to contribute extra (Keith Owen Fund) money to make it an absolutely first-class facility for children of both residents and visitors.

“We felt the �10,000 extra would make it even better. It’s the gilt on the gingerbread.”

Mums have been campaigning for improvements to the play area for years.

“I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and attitude of those young mothers,” said John Townsend, a member of the SVA Keith Owen grants committee.

Louise Cole, 42, a mum-of-three from Winslade Road, said: “It’s a fantastic investment in children.

“It’s long overdue in terms of this old-fashioned and rather lacking park.”

Nine-year-old Theo Tobin wants more swings and an extra roundabout among “safer and a bit more secure” equipment. He welcomed the chance to have a say on proposals and said: “It’s going to be quite cool.”

Anna Wright, six, said she would play at The Ham more if it was improved. “It’s really exciting,” she said.