A FREE community party in Bow on Saturday, October 19 will kick-start a campaign to raise £10,000 for the village's swimming pool and medical practice.

The event will run from 2pm to 5pm at Bow Village Hall and activities include a bouncy castle, face painting, family games, raffle, tombola, cake stall and refreshments.

The campaign has been organised by the village's Southern Co-operative's store. Free Community Support Cards (CSC) will be available at the party.

The Southern Co-operative's Community Champion at the Bow store, Doreen May, said: 'We're aiming to donate £5,000 each to Bow swimming pool and medical practice with our CSC scheme but we do need the support of locals to make this a success.

'It doesn't cost a penny to support; shoppers simply need to ask for a free CSC cardand have this swiped each time they shop here; the more cards are swiped, the quicker The Southern Co-operative donates towards the £10,000 total.'

In February, The Southern Co-operative presented £8,500 from its Bow store's 2012 CSC scheme, which was shared between Bow Community Primary School and Bow Village Hall. Chairs which were bought by the village hall using their £4,250 share, will be in full use at this year's community party.

Bow Medical Practice intends to use the funds from this year's CSC scheme to buy medical equipment for use both in the surgery and within patients' homes.

Funds donated to Bow Swimming Pool will be used to purchase a new pump and undertake essential maintenance to ensure the pool can remain open for school children and the entire community.

Doreen added: 'I'm asking everyone to come along to our free party on October 19 to show their support and join in the fun.

'Our local community always gets behind our fundraising as they see that it's supporting local good causes which directly benefit the village, so I really hope this year's CSC scheme will be equally successful.'