A VILLAGE green has become one of the first plots in the south east to benefit from a new lottery-funded grant.

The area in Rogate will get a slice of a £50m Community Spaces pot aimed at improving green spaces.

It follows the formation of the Rogate Appeal for a Playground (RAP) group, which will receive nearly £50,000 to put towards a play area on the village green.

The RAP project is one of the first initiatives to receive an award through the programme, which was launched earlier this year.

The play area will be "designed to follow the natural contours of the land to provide a unique shape and visual impact. The site is located in an open area that is easily accessible for families without transport".

RAP has worked closely with Rogate Parish Council and the village committee on the project. The local youth club and residents' association will be involved in helping to sustain the site.

The all-weather circuit path will be suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and provides a means by which the elderly can walk around for safe exercise. Play features will include stepping stones, slides, a space net, and a climbing tower.

RAP spokesman Ann Arnold said: "The project is in response to the need for well-equipped facilities for young people in the area, identified through community consultation. The space will be improved so that people of all ages can interact and enjoy more comfortable and pleasant surroundings."

Other district groups may now be able to benefit from the funding.

Community Spaces, which has so far been open for grants of between £10,000 and £49,999, is now offering grants of up to £450,000 for a limited time.

These larger grants will only be open for one round of bidding and groups will need to submit their application by January 2009. Community Spaces will remain open for grants of up to £49,999 until January 2011.

Tony Hawkhead, the chief executive of programme management company Groundwork UK, said: "It's fantastic to see groups like RAP come together to improve their environments. This project will provide a much-needed play area for local young people as well as a space for older people to relax and enjoy nature.

"We'd like to congratulate RAP on their success and hope this project will make a real difference to the people of Rogate."

Big Lottery Fund chief executive Peter Wanless said: "This project by the RAP group will give the people of all ages in Rogate the opportunity to come together, enjoy the environment and improve their health.

"It is a wonderful example of how Lottery funding is enabling community groups toregenerate their surroundings and improve the quality of life of local people."

n To apply for a grant, call 0845 3671671 or visit http://www.community-spaces.org.uk">www.community-spaces.org.uk.