IT S fingers crossed for Newton Poppleford in The Peoples Millions Lottery, which has placed its scheme to renew play park equipment at sixth place in its national competition.

IT'S fingers crossed for Newton Poppleford in The Peoples' Millions Lottery, which has placed its scheme to renew play park equipment at sixth place in its national competition.

On Monday, November 23, Newton Poppleford Playing Field Foundation Managing Trustees (the Parish Council), will go head-to-head on ITV West Country news with Berrow Parish, Somerset, which has a similar project.

The winner will be the parish receiving the most public votes.

A notice has gone up in Newton Poppleford asking residents to support the parish, which could win �50,000 for new play equipment and recreational facilities for all ages.

Details of how to vote will be available on the website at www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/regions/westcountry.

You can only vote on the day of the contest, between 9am and midnight.

David Zirker, who moved to Devon three years ago, was tasked to submit paperwork for a lottery grant and is writing a script, setting out the case for refurbishing the play park at Back Lane, for next Tuesday's filming for the TV broadcast.

He said the village had a four in six chance of winning �50,000 and said: "This is money we will not raise in other ways. Any contributions would be gratefully received."

He hopes to post details of the telephone number for voting in the village as soon as is public knowledge.

The play park equipment is in dire need of replacement, with pieces being condemned.

Mr Zirker said the village's pavilion, torched at the beginning of the year, also needed around �90,000 spent on it to make is useable again.

He said: "It was smoke-filled which soaked into the plaster. The ceilings and walls need re-plastering and painting, it needs re-wiring and re-plumbing. It is a major job.