Two years of hard work have paid off for Corsley Memorial Playing Field Committee, who have secured Lottery cash for new play and activity equipment.

This week the committee received confirmation from the Community Spaces Programme, which is run by Groundwork UK, that they will receive £50,000.

Warminster Area Board has also allocated £5,000 towards the playing fields, which were established and paid for by villagers in 1947 to remember those who lost their lives during the two world wars.

Committee chairman Dr Neil Carpenter believes the playing fields no longer cater for the needs of the villagers.

The project will see a new boules area with seating, a multi-use goal, play equipment and a bicycle skills practice area.

In addition, access will be improved to Corsley Tennis Club and the all-weather cricket wicket will be replaced with a multi-use surface that can be used for cricket, short mat bowls and golf putting.

Dr Carpenter said: “Everyone is thrilled we have been successful, bringing investment and new activities into the village we could not have funded from anywhere else.

“The wishes and hard work of the villagers will finally be implemented in the next few months.

“After almost two years of consultation and planning, the great resource that is the Corsley Memorial Playing Field will provide improved access to safe and modern activities for people of all ages and abilities.”

Fleur de Rhé-Philipe, the Wiltshire councillor for Warminster Without, said: “Corsley is very fortunate to have such a spacious playing field but even more fortunate to have a committee prepared to put so much work into bringing its equipment and facilities up to date.

“I know children in Corsley will really enjoy the field when finished and everyone will benefit.”

Marion Liquorice, secretary of the Playing Field commitee, added: “It has been a lot of hard work but Lottery funding is a great way for outlying villages and communities who could not get support elsewhere to realise their dreams.”

It is hoped the work, more than 50 per cent of which will be contracted to local businesses, will be completed by the summer.