A WEST Devon village is celebrating, after being awarded a new grant to provide children and young people with more play facilities.

Petrockstowe Recreation Group Committee received £9,000 from the Big Lottery Fund, after children from the village wrote to the parish council asking for a ramp to be installed in the recreation ground.

The youngsters enclosed a diagram of what they wanted, with a letter explaining the need for more outdoor activities.

Committee member of Petrockstowe Recreation Group, Chris Hanson, said the youngsters did all the hard work.

He said: 'If it wasn't for them, it wouldn't be happening.

'After they approached the council and we got the go ahead, I applied to the Big Lottery Fund.

'It's just great because it's something else for young people to enjoy, because there is not a lot around for the kids.

'The new skate ramp will be situated by the cricket ground, so they can play around while their parents are playing cricket.

'The kids love being out in the fresh air and it's another activity they can enjoy outside, with friends.'

Mr Hanson said the skate ramp will enable young people to participate in positive recreational activities.

He added: 'We've done very well out of the Big Lottery Fund and last year received almost £8,500 for the play ground to be renovated.

'The most important thing is that there is something for the kids to do. It means a lot to them to be outdoors and to have fun.'

David Kelsey, chairman of the Petrockstowe Recreation Group committee and parish councillor, said: 'Six months ago these youngsters gave me a letter asking if they could have a ramp. It was a very well put together letter and I replied and said we'd do our best.

'I didn't think we could afford it, but luckily we got the grant.

'It should arrive within a month and be all ready hopefully by the summer.'

Mark Cotton of the Big Lottery Fund's South West region said: 'There are some great initiatives getting Lottery funding this month, many of which are focused around health — from helping people battling eating disorders to raising awareness of the dangers of alcohol.

'I hope other local groups take the opportunity to plan some innovative projects of their own and get their applications in.

The Awards for All programme was launched in April last year and offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to projects that will benefit local communities and make a difference to the lives of those most in need.