A MASSIVE fundraising campaign has been launched after concerns were raised about a lack of facilities for schoolchildren in a Suffolk village.The money will be used to make urgent improvements to the derelict play area in Boxford, near Sudbury.

A MASSIVE fundraising campaign has been launched after concerns were raised about a lack of facilities for schoolchildren in a Suffolk village.

The money will be used to make urgent improvements to the derelict play area in Boxford, near Sudbury.

And children in the village and surrounding area will have an integral role in the decision-making as parents look to raise £66,000.

Will Bishop, chairman of the Boxford Playing Field Management Committee, said: “The village is seen as the main centre for a number of surrounding villages but it has been left with a derelict and dire play area.

“Hundreds of children have not got basic play facilities - they are left with some bare equipment in a boggy field.

“These improvements have been needed for a long time and we are now asking children at the primary school to help us choose the final equipment.”

Committee members have so far raised £14,000 from local charities and parish councils and have applied for a £40,000 Lottery grant to pay for state-of-the-art equipment.

Mr Bishop said youngsters in Boxford, as well as neighbouring Edwardstone and Groton, would all benefit from the improvements.

The fundraising campaign was officially launched yesterday with posters displayed at Boxford Primary School and children wearing promotional t-shirts.

Anyone who would like to make a donation should send a cheque to the Boxford Playing Field Management Committee at 22 Swan Street. Boxford, Suffolk, CO10 5NZ.