A DEDICATED band of Verwood residents are hoping to re-ignite their campaign for an all-age games area and outdoor gym costing £140,000.

The Active Games For All (AGFA) group want to transform the damp left-hand corner of Verwood Recreation Ground, off Ringwood Road, with fitness equipment and a games court.

They’re frustrated by the lack of facilities for older children and want everyone to get on board to help raise the funds.

Acting chair Angela Daymond said: “There’s really nothing there for young people.

“Because we’ve not got an upper school all our children commute out to Ferndown or Wimborne.

“Those are the schools with all the facilities and swimming pools.”

AGFA have already made £9,800 through annual Talented Youth concerts, coffee mornings and a £300 donation from the Jenny Porter Singers.

The challenge has had a couple of false starts with rejected grant bids to Sports England.

AGFA secured an agreement with Verwood Town Council and the recreation ground trustees to work in partnership. At a public display back in 2009, a 90-year-old lady had a go on the keep fit stations.

AGFA argue the multi-use games area will enhance Verwood.

“Some people are already helping,” Mrs Daymond said.

“But we want to get the whole town behind us.

“We’re a very small group and it’s daunting. But we will do our best.”

Leaflets encouraging residents to get involved by running their own coffee mornings or joining the team, will be delivered to 5,500 homes later this month.