A BOOTCAMP exercise group are holding an event to raise money for a toddlers’ playground that was set alight by arsonists earlier this year.

Military Bootcamp Outdoor Fitness are dedicating their latest session to raise money for the playground in Darlington’s South Park.

In February, a large fire completely destroyed the smaller climbing frame at the park, resulting in the pirate ship being completely burnt out.

Just weeks later, the arson-hit play area was struck by vandals again, with the wooden floor on part of the larger climbing frame being destroyed.

The bootcamp exercise group, who hold classes in the park on a regular basis, have dedicated their session today to raise funds for the site, with all proceeds will go towards the toddlers’ play area.

Anyone over the age of 18 is allowed to take part in the bootcamp, which costs £5 to take part.

Nicky Duggan, chief executive of of Darlington Bootcamp, said: “We are hoping to make it a real family event.

“Even though there is an age limit on who can take part, we want families to come along and cheer them on.”

Angry parents hit out at the “mindless” vandals carried out the arson attack, which happened during February half-term.

Following the vandalism, Groundwork North East and Cumbria launched an appeal to raise the £23,000 needed to replace the damaged pirate ship and surface.

Dozens of pledges of support have already been received including the Friends of South Park, Darlington Bondgate Round Table and Sherwoods Vauxhall.

Lisa Locke, programme manager for Groundwork North-East and Cumbria said: “We have been really grateful for the community support which has been given towards the South Park toddler play area crowd fund campaign.

“We have achieved 25 per cent of our target and are hoping that the community will continue to support us to achieve the £23,000 target.

“Funding applications are currently being considered which may raise another £15,000 towards the target,” she added.

Military Bootcamp Outdoor Fitness hold evening bootcamps at South Park from Tuesday to Friday, as a well as a regular morning event on Saturdays.

They also hold a class on Monday evenings at the town’s Education Village, which is based on Salters Lane South.

For more information on Military Bootcamp Outdoor Fitness, visit www.militarybootcampoutdoor.co.uk.