Construction of the first two phase one Play Builder projects is now underway, with children planning to be playing in them early next year.

Construction of the first two phase one Play Builder projects is now underway, with children planning to be playing in them early next year.

Administered by Devon County Council, the Playbuilder funding comes from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and is part of a �235m Government investment in children's play, aimed at ensuring children across the country benefit from innovative and adventurous play sites.

Fourteen community play projects were chosen from the original 21 applicants to be awarded grants in phase one of this two-year project and all should be completed before April 2010.

On November 26, the Play Builder Management Board will select the lucky participants in the final year of the project.

With a potential 40 plus known hopeful communities competing for around 15 awards of between �10,000 and �45,000 each, the competition will be on to find the most innovative designs that will provide children with challenging play opportunities and social space in accessible, natural surroundings.

Councillor Andrea Davies, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing, said: "This second round of Playbuilder gives local communities a further chance to bid for funding to enhance or improve an existing play area, or to introduce a completely new feature to the area.

"Providing innovative, stimulating play spaces for children is so vital for children's self-esteem; giving them opportunities for challenge and development and positive risk taking in a safe environment."

Prospective applicants for Phase Two are advised to visit the Play England website at http://www.playengand.org.uk/playbuilder and the DCC Play Builder website at www.devon.gov.uk/play for information about the criteria for the awards, the application form and guidance.

Applications for funding close at noon on Thursday, November 26.