Young people in Sherston will benefit from new play equipment by the summer, thanks to money raised in memory of a loving father.

The parish council is in the process of ordering two new pieces of equipment to be installed on the Rec, following consultations with 11 to 18-year-olds in the village.

Martin Rea, who chairs the parish council, said: “It’s something that came about when a young father, Mark Doyle, died in a car crash on his way to work about two and a half years ago.

“He always had an interest in fitness for young people and when his family collected money they wanted to put something in the village for older children.

“Lots of money was donated. His family threw a few fundraisers, and they raised over £10,000.”

The money from the Mark Doyle Fund will be topped up by the parish council to pay for a £16,000 aerial zip wire and aerial swing.

Mr Rea said: “Hopefully we’ll order them shortly and have them in by the beginning of summer – it should be great.

“We’ve got lots of things for the younger children but this will be something for the older ones.”

The double zip wire will be placed running parallel to the wall adjoining Green Lane at the Scout Hut end of the Rec, and the aerial swing will be near existing equipment.