Calne wins share of People's Millions

5:56pm Tuesday 27th November 2007

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TRIUMPHANT Castlefields campaigners are over the moon after learning live on television they won a £80,000 grant.

Cheers of celebration were heard across the town after it was announced on ITV West Tonight Castlefields Canal and River Park Association received the most votes on TV show The People's Millions.

Supporters gathered in the Travel Emporium to find out if it had got enough votes to win cash that could put Calne on the map.

Campaigners held their breath in the seconds before the result was announced.

But just as soon as crowds fell silent a roar of triumph exploded as presenter. announced the group had won by a landslide.

Voters had picked up the phone in their thousands to show support for Castlefields project.

The £80,000 grant is the biggest in the group's 17-year history and means plans for Castlefields Park can go full steam ahead.

With the cash the group can realise its dream of redeveloping the dilapidated park creating a town centre oasis.

Proposals for the park include new footpaths, new seating and more greenery.

Two weeks ago the group launched their campaign to win the grant.

Posters for Castlefields were pasted all over the town.

Yesterday evening the group did a pub-crawl across Calne watching over drinkers as they dialled the magic number.

Calne Mayor's son Liam Golding, 12, said: "it is the best Christmas present ever. It was such a surprise when the presenter came through the door and said we had won."