Work is now underway to build a new £112k games area at Newton Poppleford's playing field.

The field already has tennis courts, football and cricket pitches and a children's playground. It is hoped that the new area will facilitate netball, walking football, walking netball, and five-a-side football activities all year round.

The project is being led by Newton Poppleford and Harpford Parish Council with funding from East Devon District Council.

Work begins on the new games area at Newton Poppleford playing field (EDDC)

Chair of Newton Poppleford and Harpford Parish Council Cllr Chris Burhop said: "This new multi-use games area, or 'MUGA', is the result of several years of consulting with the local community, planning and hard work. The parish council is therefore delighted that this project can finally get underway.

"The new MUGA will be a step change in facilities in the parish and, having an all – weather surface, the area is bound to be well used by a wide range of residents all year round. As a parish council we are committed to continue to expand the facilities of this parish, especially for sport and exercise and we will be looking at what we can do next.

"I hope we can see new teams being formed from the parish to make use of this facility, such as netball, five-a-side football and futsal. Many years ago we had a netball team based in the village which had to disband when their court was resurfaced and netball lines were not replaced. It would be great to see netball back."

Construction began on Monday 24 October and is expected to take another seven weeks.