A man has told of his dream to transform playing fields in Benfleet after he was given the green light to set up his own charity.

Big dream - Doug Beard wants to transform King George V playing fields in Benfleet. 7SFAA3

Doug Beard, of Benfleet Road, is fed up with the state of King George V playing fields near his home in Shipwrights Drive.

The 58-year-old has won the backing of Castle Point council to set up a charity to raise funds to resolve drainage problems and rebuild the changing rooms at the recreation ground.

Doug knows he has to raise more than £10,000 to start work on the drainage and changing rooms, and is planning to apply for lottery funding.

He has previously raised £22,000 for the local heritage initiative project based in Chelmsford and is confident his new aim will be achieved.

Chris Moran, the council's leisure services manager, received a letter from Doug and was keen to back his plan.

He said "I believe that this idea could work very well and may secure grant funding that the council would not otherwise be able to obtain. I fully support Mr Beard's generous offer of help and recommended the council work in partnership with the new group for the benefit of the local community."

Doug now seeks trustees and volunteers for the King George V Playing Fields, Benfleet charity - anyone interested in helping him can call on 01702-554492.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002