A MARATHON fundraising effort culminated in the launch of a new children’s play area at Hindhead Royal British Legion during its 14th annual beer festival, last Saturday.

Club members have been fundraising since 2013 to achieve the target of £15,000 needed to complete the project. Moneymaking events have included three family fun days, a breakfast club, a curry and quiz night, a vinyl night and a very popular Cinderella panto.

Staging the three performances of the panto involved a cast and behind-the-scenes team of 30 members.

“It was sponsored by 22 local businesses and raised over £2,200.

“In addition, two members ran the Brighton Marathon raising over £500, and others have given money directly to the fund. One member generously donated £5,000.

Founder of the project and former club chairman David Cooper said: “It was an honour to be asked to open this facility. It is a tremendous fundraising achievement by the members which has been very well supported by the local community and surrounding businesses.

“Members have given up hundreds of hours of their time to make this happen and it just goes to show what can be done when a community pulls together.

“The club’s future is with local families and this is a great addition to the facilities on offer.

“It may have been pouring with rain at the opening, but the children were out there having fun and laughing.”