RAIN failed to dampen spirits at the official re-opening of Williton's revamped play area last Saturday.

But the weather did mean that less than a handful of youngsters braved the conditions to test out some of the newly installed equipment.

A £24,000 investment by the parish council - funded by Section 106 planning gain cash from West Somerset Council - means the site now boasts a new train, tunnel, climbing wall and rope ladder, as well as a dedicated seating area with a storytelling section, alongside the existing equipment.

And the new features can be used by both able and disabled children alike.

The ribbon was cut by Williton Children's Centre manager Wendy Smith, watched by local civic leaders and three children.

Parish council chairman Cllr Robert McDonald thanked everyone who had helped make the refurbishment possible.

"The site was redesigned following consultation with local children on what they wanted and we are delighted with the result," he said.

The new equipment is designed for youngsters aged from two to 12 and Cllr McDonald appealed for older children to keep off it after a supermarket shopping trolley was pushed along the new ramps on Monday evening.

"Luckily no damage was caused on this occasion and the police were called and are investigating the incident.

"But we would appeal for older children to respect the new equipment."

Cllr McDonald said plans were in the pipeline to install more equipment suited to the over 12s.

"We are actively looking at providing more facilities in the play area and we will be talking to the older children in the village to get their views."

Photo: Ian Beech Images