Fundraisers determined to transform Fishguard's Lota park are determined not to give up, despite a failed National Lottery bid.

The Lota Project had applied for an £85,000 lottery grant to create a skatepark and install a host of inclusive new play equipment at the park in the centre of Fishguard.

The bid progressed through the initial stages but the group learnt just before Christmas that it had not been successful, with one of the reasons offered being that they did not own the land at Lota Park.

"We were not successful with the lottery bid which was disappointing," said Cllr Pat Davies, "but we are not giving up.

"From the very first interview they knew we weren't the landowners but the reason they gave was that we didn't own the land. They thought we were a good project.

"We are going to look elsewhere we are determined to carry on. We have got such we have got such wonderful local community support."

Fishguard and District Round Table's recent duck race has raised more than £2,000 for the park, with a Christmas bingo also raising £315.

"It is a wonderful amount," said Cllr Davies "our total is increasing all the time."

Cllr Davies said that the group currently had around £24,000 in the kitty which included money raised at community events, a grant from the town council and other grants issued by groups such as the masons.

"We went to the lottery for £85,000, which together with the money we already have would have covered the skate park and the play equipment.

"We are determined to carry on. We are going to look at other sources of funding. We will see where else we can go.

"From the new road you can see right up to Lota Park. Reinvigorating it would give the whole area a lift."

Cllr Davies said that the group was due to meet this week to decide on their next step.