A VOLUNTEER group in Kington St Michael have put more than £1,000 towards improving a footpath in the village.

The KSM QE2 Field Group were awarded £1,178 by Fields in Trust, a national charity that operates throughout the UK to safeguard recreational spaces.

The money has been used to improve the footpath linking the village’s recreation field and adjacent wooded area, as well as neighbouring Woodland Trust land.

Sarah Harriman, chairman of KSM QE2 Field Group, said: “As a new group working to enhance our QE2 Field to benefit our whole community, we are delighted to receive funding from Fields in Trust to help improve access and create a safe path which will encourage greater use of our outdoor recreation area.

“This is a great start to mark the beginning of our efforts to make our field and the surrounding area much more accessible and usable for everyone.”

The new footpath was completed by a local contractor and was constructed using natural materials after a consultation found that people in the area were avoiding the footpath, due to it being worn and stepped.

The KSM QE2 Field Group was formed earlier this year, consisting of people from the local area who wish to help enhance facilities at the QE2 Field.

Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, said: “We know how important parks and playing fields are for children and families.

“They are places to relax, play sports or hold community events.

“Ensuring they are around for future generations is a top priority so we are delighted that we have been able to protect these valuable assets for the long-term and to fund the improvements with a Fields in Trust County Fund grant.”