Dozens turned up to support the official opening of a newly-renovated village playground.

An event was held to open Kirkby-in-Furness's Community Centre playground on Sunday.

After years of planning, the local community gathered to celebrate the freshly restored and upgraded park.

Ceri Anne Laisby started working on the project around May 2022.

She said the reason she took on the role was because she had seen first-hand how well used the park is by families of the village and it was beginning to look tired.

Ceri said: “I tried to keep it really simple. We invited the main fundraisers and members of the local community to the opening. I said a few words then cut the ribbon with my youngest.”

Ceri was joined by her daughter Sienna, who is six years old.

Lots of cakes were donated by the community so everyone was able to enjoy homemade treats and refreshments.

There was also a family scavenger hunt as children raced to take all the pictures required to complete the challenge before prizes were given out.

The previous playground facilities were more than 25 years old. iInspections were throwing up issues more frequently and it required constant maintenance work to keep safe.

The village community centre was renovated a few years ago, and with the new building and upgraded facilities, it felt like the right time to refurbish the park.

Ceri said: “It felt like the obvious next step.”

The Community Centre Committee was able to order new playground equipment in February and work began in April.

The original plan included a swing set, an inclusive roundabout, a climbing frame with a slide and a hut for children to sit down in. After finding out there was some money left over and a space available, Ceri decided to add in a seesaw.

The total cost of the project came in at £87,815.34.

Ceri said she was quite pleased with the turn out and the level of support shown by the community.

She said: “I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. I’ve received a lot of positive comments from people and have seen many people enjoying it already.”

During Gala weekend, which was held the last weekend of June, Ceri said the playground was swarming with children all day and night.

Ceri said she would like to thank Lauren Newby, who joined the project in its second year and was a great help, as well as everyone who contributed.

The project received grants and support from Kirkby Moor Wind Farm, CGP, FCC, Sir John Fisher Foundation, Parish Council- Community Infrastructure Levy, Kirkby Charities, and the community centre committee.