DUNSTER villagers had cause for a double celebration on Saturday when they marked both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics at the Packhorse Playing Field.

The event was particularly exciting for younger villagers, who were encouraged to take along picnics to the celebrations, which culminated with the unveiling of two new pieces of play equipment.

Officially opened by members of the Dunster Village Society, the equipment included a basket swing and a three metre-high rotating cone climber.

The play equipment, which has been installed at the playing field, marks the end of the second phase of a jubilee project which began in February this year with the help of £1,176 from the society.

It started with the installation of eight stepping posts and staggered timber supports to create an agility trail by linking a balance beam and tall slide.

The latest additions of a swing and climber have been funded by a £9,829 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, a £1,000 interest-free loan from the Somerset Playing Fields Association, more than £1,500 from the Packhorse Playing Field committee and £500 from Dunster Parish Council.

A further £110 was donated by Jan Lamacraft, £100 was given by Rhoda Ewen while many other donations were also received to reach the £13,206 target.

Saturday's opening included light refreshments and a search quiz and challenge, giving children the chance to become Dunster's own Olympic Agility Trail Champion.

Robin Hewison, chairman and secretary of the playing field committee, said the new equipment was yet another "exciting and beneficial step in the evolution of the playing field".

"This will stand it in good stead for many years to come," he said.

The playing field was set up in 1970 by four villagers, one of which, Judith Hewison, still serves on the committee today.

Despite its humble beginnings, the field as developed over the last 42 years to become a popular focus for villagers with the help of a committee of volunteers and Dunster Parish Council, which rents the land from the Crown Estate.

Pictured at the grand unveiling of the basket swing are, from the left, back, Laurie Hambrook, Joan Nicholson, Helen Binnie, Jan Lamacraft, Judith and Robin Hewison, Martin Harbourne, Ruth Bishop; front, Ruby Smith, Oscar Binnie, Shannon Sully and William Bishop.

Photo: Steve Guscott