Thousands raised to rebuild torched adventure playground in Bristol

A crowdfunding campaign to rebuild an adventure playground in Bristol has raised nearly £14,000 - doubling its original target.

Most of the community-run playground in St Paul's was destroyed after it was set alight on Easter Saturday.

Smoke could be seen from miles away Credit: Sarah Compson

The organisation, St Pauls Adventure Playground, runs parties, workshops and other events for the surrounding area.

A 16-year-old volunteer who set up the fundraising page, says it stands to lose thousands of pounds due to the restrictions in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The original target for the crowdfunding page was £7,000, with all money raised going towards the restoration of the playground.

Former Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson is among those to support the project, pledging to donate £1,000.

In a tweet, Mr Ferguson called on other local businesses and organisations to do the same.

It comes after DIY SOS star Mark Millar pledged to help rebuild the playground.

The carpenter, who lives in Bristol, said the playground, “was such a vibrant and positive place to be with your kids. The play equipment they had was second to none.”

An investigation by Avon Fire and Rescue Service has concluded the fire was started deliberately.