Around 1,000 people visited Dysart Park on Sunday when the revamped play area was officially opened by former chair of the Dysart Park Action Group Hannah Martin.

New play equipment and safety surfacing has been installed at the popular Grantham park thanks to a £55,000 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation. The money was secured after a grant application by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) on behalf of the action group, which also contributed £6,000.

The new-look play area was given a big thumbs up by excited youngsters and their families, including the Taylor family.

Seven-year-old Harriett said it was fantastic and the climbing frame was her favourite piece of equipment, while mum Laura and dad Steve said the family, including one-year-old Harlie, would be using the park more often from now on.

Jo Goddard, who was there with her daughter three-year-old Grace, said: "I think it's brilliant. We will definitely be coming again."

Tudor Constantin, aged eight, who was with his dad Simon agreed, saying they are in the park nearly every day and the new play area was definitely a big improvement.

A spokesperson for SKDC said: "Our parks are a tremendous asset. We will continue to improve all of them and build on their contribution to making South Kesteven a place where people want to live, work and invest."

Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation grant manger, said: "We have worked closely with SKDC and the Dysart Park Action Group and hopefully park visitors will enjoy the results of all their hard work."

The action group chairperson, Lydia Gallaher, said: "The new play area is very colourful and we have added some extra equipment. The park is already a lovely place for people to visit but we have big plans for the future and this is a great start."

The day also featured a series of races for all ages on the theme of 'You can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Man.' Tasty prizes were donated by Hawkens Gingerbread, of Grantham, while Franco's Ices Ltd provided the medals.

Photo 1: Steve and Laura Taylor on the swings with Harriett (7) and Harlie (1)

Photo 3: The revamped play area