DELIGHTED youths on a Colchester estate have finally got their own play area.

The Brooklands Community Group set up an appeal in September to raise money for bored youngsters.

The group, made up from residents in Brooklands, off Brook Street, needed more than £35,000 to redevelop a football pitch and build a children’s play area.

Sue Young, secretary and treasurer of the group, said they were desperate to raise the funds themselves, but were unsure about where to begin.

Helped and advised by Colchester MP Bob Russell, Ms Young and colleagues applied for various grants, while children on the estate played their part by holding sponsored walks and a community party.

Almost a year to the day after the appeal began, youngsters will finally get their wishes granted when Mr Russell officially opens the ball park.

Ms Young said: “We raised £30,000 and have created a ball park for the residents and their children. It is now possible for them to play five-a-side football, badminton and basketball.”

Half the money came from a grant, while the other was provided by the Springboard Housing Association, which owns the estate.

Mrs Young, 55, said: “All I keep hearing is ‘when is it going to open?’ It is fantastic, all the kids have helped raise some money. In a sense, it has brought the community together.”

The hard work is not over yet though.

They are still looking to raise up to £20,000 to build a stronger fence on one side of the ball park, and to create an area for the under-eights.

Ms Young said: “We’re not finished yet. We want to create an activity area with a tunnel, swing and balancing beam.

“We also want to build a picnic area so the mothers can sit and have a catch-up while watching their children play.”

The ball park will be officially opened at 3pm on Friday by Mr Russell, eagerly watched by all the children.

Anyone who wishes to donate, help fundraise, or who has any ideas of possible grant foundations is asked to call Ms Young on 07947 872280.