A KILDWICK playing field, already used by the village school, could be transformed with cash from the sale of carrier bags at Tesco supermarkets.

Trustees of the Peggy Wilson Playing Field hope to create a garden at the site and open up the facility to the whole community.

The activity programme could include Forest School sessions, gardening for older people, garden parties, ‘reflect and retreat’ sessions and an out-of-school club.

Kildwick Primary School head Tim Whitehead, one of the playing field’s trustees, has successfully applied to be put on the shortlist of the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Three groups in the region have been shortlisted, and shoppers can vote for which one should receive each grant, of £4,000, £2,000 or £1,000.

Mr Whitehead said the school had predominant use of the Peggy Wilson Playing Fields but did not own it.

He said the trust wanted to explore how it could best use the green space to improve community spirit and bring people together.

He said: “Following a thorough consultation with the community, it was clear that they wanted a growing and nature-based space where old and young could come together to garden, grow, learn and exchange skills and stories about nature.

“It was felt having such a place provide people with an opportunity to develop both respect and understanding for each other whilst exchanging and learning new skills."

Mr Whitehead said this would tackle isolation, increase self-confidence and self-worth, get both adults and children active, and preserved ‘village culture’.

The project will involve three community days across the year to bring people together to help create the garden.

A local Forest School leader will be employed to run a range of nature-based activities.

Mr Whitehead said: “Through the community days, gardening and nature sessions, volunteers will be skilled up, trained and encouraged to take ownership of the project when the garden is complete.”

The project will be promoted at the local school, church and playgroup, and among parents and healthcare professionals.

The intention is that the project will be followed by an annual programme of events including community gardening days, garden parties, gardening for older people, ‘reflect and retreat’ sessions, and an out-of-school club.

Mr Whitehead added: “It would be great if people could vote for our project which will benefit the community of Kildwick and Farnhill and provide outdoor education for the pupils of the school.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores in November and December and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

Tesco’s Bags of Help, carried out in partnership with the Groundwork charity, has already delivered over £60 million to more than 18,000 projects across Britain.

Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop.

Visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp for further information on how to apply to the fund.