VILLAGERS are joining forces to raise money for a Millennium park as a way of celebrating the arrival of the year 2000.

More than eight out of 10 residents of Eaton backed the idea of the park, which is due to be created on a two-acre site opposite Christ Church.

Quarry owners Tilcon have agreed to lease the grazing land to the Eaton Millennium project committee, which has raised £3,800 towards the cost of the scheme in just 18 months.

A picnic area is earmarked for the park, which could be linked to the centre of the village by a new footpath.

In addition local resident Harry Harvey has agreed to carve a sign for the village, featuring The Cloud, a Clydesdale horse and a plough.

The 30 children from the village could also receive a gift to mark the Millennium celebrations.

''The park will be an amenity area for local residents, and there is nothing comparable in the village,'' said committee chairman Les Syson.

''I am very pleased with the progress so far on the park scheme, which is down to a tremendous amount of effort by quite a number of people.''

Lunches have been held at The Plough inn to raise money for the park project, which has also received donations from Eaton Parish Council and the Eaton Entertainments Committee.

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