A community’s vision for their much-loved open space is taking a step closer to fruition thanks to a donation from Persimmon Homes.

The Friends of Lyons Farm Open Space accepted a cheque for £3,000 from the region after applying for funds to revamp the basketball court.

The group of volunteers have been working hard to upgrade the green space, off Sompting Road, Worthing, creating an area that caters for everyone within the community while also encouraging biodiversity.

They are planting hedges to counter the pollution from the busy road running alongside the park and have created a fruit orchard that will, in years to come, feed neighbouring residents.

A new community composter has already been added and bug hotels constructed to encourage insect life. The volunteers have also sown wildflowers to attract pollinators. With the cash boost from Persimmon Homes Thames Valley the group plan to upgrade the much-loved basketball court to the north of the green space.

Gemma Mawbey, of the Friends group, said: “The basketball court has been well used over the years and now it is looking a little sad and unloved.

“We would like to thank Persimmon for this donation which will allow us to replace the broken backboards, string new nets and give our young people a place they can be proud of.”

Councillor Cathy Glynn-Davis, of Worthing Council, represents Broadwater Ward where the open space sits and has been supporting the friends group.

She said: “The Friends of Lyons Farm Open Space really deserve this boost, they work so hard to make this space a tremendous community asset and want it to work for every part of our community.

“This money allows them to carry out much-needed improvements to an area much used by young people, and I am very grateful to Persimmon for choosing to support them.”

Laura Jackson, Head of Planning for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “Groups like the Friends play a vital role in creating a lasting legacy in our community and that is something that we also pride ourselves on doing at Persimmon Homes. We are delighted to be able to offer them this money and encourage  their work at Lyons Farm.”