EXCITED children and their parents celebrated the official opening of a popular play park.

Dozens turned up to the event at Seascale to welcome the much-needed revamp of the play area.

The run-down equipment was ripped out in January with a new area, costing £130,000, taking its place.

Lizzie Mawson, chairwoman of the Seascale Community Beach Park Project, said it was a very emotional day on Saturday and one which everyone involved with the project should be proud of.

"We had the most wonderful time, it was amazing to see so many people turn up to the opening and then stay for the entire day," said Lizzie.

"The park and the beach were packed all day long and it was brilliant to see the community out in force and enjoying themselves."

A dedicated team of volunteers has helped each step of the way – even laying out 1,000 metres of turf in the final stages.

The new equipment was made and shipped from Germany and is expected to last about 30 years.

The money for the revamp was raised as a charity, and the responsibility for the play area will now be handed over to the parish council.

Grant funding was secured from the Copeland Community Fund, Community Choices, The Hadfield Trust, The Sir John Fisher Foundation, Persimmon Community Champions, The Coop Community Fund, LLWR, CN Group and Seascale Parish Council.