A determined youngster is on a mission to raise £1,000 to help revamp a children's play area for families in and around a rural idyll.

Elona Moore, nine, from Colton, between Costessey and Wymondham, set up a the JustGiving online fundraiser to bolster Community Infrastructure Levy cash for Marlingford and Colton Parish Council which will be invested in the play area in Norwich Road.

Norwich Evening News: Elona Moore, nine, who wants to raise £1,000 to go towards a future revamp of the Colton play area in Norwich RoadElona Moore, nine, who wants to raise £1,000 to go towards a future revamp of the Colton play area in Norwich Road (Image: Hayley Moore)

The plot, which includes two swings, monkey bars, basketball hoop and adult gym equipment, has been leased by the council from landowners over the past 20 years.

READ MORE: Wensum Park play area in Norwich reopens after revamp work

But because the lease is only three years, the council cannot go for certain bids including the Lottery because these funding streams require a five-year lease, according to Elona's mother, Hayley Moore. 

Norwich Evening News: Some of the play equipment in Colton which Elona Moore, nine (pictured), hopes can be improved through future funds, some of which she is raising herselfSome of the play equipment in Colton which Elona Moore, nine (pictured), hopes can be improved through future funds, some of which she is raising herself (Image: Hayley Moore)

Elona Moore, who attends Forncett St Peter Primary School, said: "Everyone should be able to play in a park, especially in a little village like ours because it helps make friends.

"We don’t have pavements in our village or other safe places to play and no buses to get to other playgrounds.

"I love being outdoors, seeing nature and want other children to spend time having fresh air and exercise, especially because some children might not have their own garden. I want to make it so children of all ages and abilities can play there.

"Playground equipment is expensive but I’m hoping the fundraiser will make a difference."

Norwich Evening News: A letter written by Elona Moore to local businesses seeking support for her fundraiser for the Colton play areaA letter written by Elona Moore to local businesses seeking support for her fundraiser for the Colton play area (Image: Hayley Moore)

As well as writing to local businesses for support, she has organised a bake sale in the neighbouring Colton Village Hall on April 16 from 10am-noon.

Mrs Moore, 36, said: "The play area is getting to the end of its life."

Maria Hutson, council clerk, said: "The lease is due to expire in 2026 and the council will be looking to extend it."

Villagers are being surveyed on what they want in the area and the council will decide on amenities "with the resources available".

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/coltonplaygroundfundraising