DIY SOS host Nick Knowles’ army appeal as he begins work at vandalised Southmead playground

DIY SOS host Nick Knowles has started work in Bristol with his team for a new show being aired next year.

BBC’s DIY SOS: The Big Build began its latest project at the Southmead Adventure Playground, known locally as the Ranch, in Doncaster Road today (October 19).

The playground was built by the surrounding community and has been loved and well-used by many generations of residents.

It was recently taken over by Southmead Development Trust, a resident led charity working to improve health, wellbeing and employment in the area.

But the playground has fallen into disrepair, suffered from vandalism, and is now unfit for purpose - but, hopefully, all that is about to change.

With work starting on the revamp by the DIY SOS team, supported by volunteers, presenter Nick Knowles said there is ‘lots to rip up and shift’ at the site on Twitter.

And he called on Bristol residents to help out, adding: “We really could do with some manpower on site today to do some ripping out.

“Is there an army unit near Bristol who might come down and add some muscle? Of local fire brigade whilst they are [at] rest - or off duty police?”

A further appeal was put out by the show for landscapers, carpenters and general builders.

The aim is to invigorate the Southmead Adventure Playground for future generations, with filming set to wrap up on Thursday.

The project will see the rebuilding of a burnout shelter and clearing of an overgrown pond.

A new kitchen will be installed in the youth centre and the games area resurfaced.

DIY SOS: The Big Build will air on BBC One in 2022.

Anyone who can help the team, should email [email protected]