LONG-awaited new equipment has been officially installed in a children’s play area in Williton - and Christened by a group of pupils from the village’s St Peter’s Church of England First School who tried it out shortly before their half-term holiday.

The £31,000 update of the play zone in Williton War Memorial Recreation Ground has been funded by the parish council, which received a £10,000 grant from the Hinkley Point C community fund.

The council commissioned inclusive play equipment designed for children aged from early years to school age, with some of the existing equipment replaced.

The official opening by four of the school’s pupils was also attended by council chairman Cllr Peter Payne, vice-chairman Cllr Ian Aldridge, youth lead Cllr Dave Shattock, parish clerk Michelle Francis, and assistant clerk Charlotte Hirst.

A council spokesperson said: “It was lovely for them to see the joy the play area brings, and makes all the time and effort involved in this project well worthwhile.

“The play area has had some exciting new play equipment and nest swing installed which offers a variety of play.

“The park is already proving to be very popular, you may even need to plan more time as the children do not want to leave.”

The four children from St Peter’s were chosen, based on consistently demonstrating the school’s values, to be the first to use the equipment and give their verdicts on it.

They gave the play area an extensive test run, and afterward they were all happy to give the new equipment ‘a double thumbs up’ vote of confidence.

The children were escorted by two of the school staff, Elaine Shoots and Sharon Humphries.

The EA Evans play equipment was supplied and installed for the parish council by Clark Playgrounds.