A VILLAGE play area which was set up by residents is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.

Thornton-le-Dale’s playing field was established in 1965 by a group of local families who were keen to find a space for their own children and other youngsters to play.

Village residents Mary Manthorpe and Grace Rogers, two of the original founders who still serve on the committee, saw the orchard site in Roxy Road and earmarked it as ideal for a playing field.

The families of Castle Garth got together and formed a committee, which included an individual from every group and organisation in the village to give their input and support.

Amy Wright, from the committee, said members had bought the play area by getting a loan from the National Playing Fields Association to buy the former orchard.

“The loan was for £2,200, which would have bought a house in those days,” she said. “They spent the next four years paying off this loan, via donations and fundraising and holding a weekly bingo night in the village hall.”

On Sunday, there will be a celebration to mark 50 successful years of the community managing and running the park for the benefit of the local community.

“We will have refreshments, games, entertainment, music and a ‘memory corner’ where Mary and Grace will share photos and the background to show how the community park was first opened, thanks to some hardworking local people,” she said.

The celebration of 50 years of Thornton-le-Dale play park will take place on Sunday, from 11am to 3pm.

Everyone is welcome.