The long-awaited revamp of a beach front play area – costing £130,000 – has kicked off.

The tired play equipment at Seascale was ripped out a fortnight ago, with the replacement pieces being delivered next week.

It will take around three weeks for the project to be completed, and Lizzie Mawson, chairwoman of the Seascale Community Beach Park Project, said everyone is thrilled.

"Many moons ago over a coffee and putting the world to rights it was decided that our play equipment was in a sorry state and it was about time something was done about it," she said. "So the charity of the Seascale Community Beach Park Project was formed.

"The committee have dressed as elves, run marathons, baked cakes, washed cars – the list is endless.

"Finally with a huge amount of work by a dedicated team of volunteers we did it, our brand spanking new bespoke play equipment has been made, shipped from Germany and is ready to be installed."

Work began on January 29 when a team of volunteers erected the site fence to begin work.

Since then the nuclear supply chain has provided "invaluable support" through Balfour Beatty, Costain, Hertel and Atkins. This included supplying concrete, plant hire, project management and the clearing of the site.

"A wonderful example of how local industry is helping in the community," added Lizzie. "With this help we are spending all the hard raised funding on the most important thing, the play equipment itself.

"We can't wait to have this amazing space ready for the weather improving and have plans for a grand opening event in June.

"It's been a long time coming but it's going to be worth the wait."

Grant funding has been secured from the Copeland Community Fund, Community Choices, The Hadfield Trust, The Sir John Fisher Foundation, Persimmon Community Champions, The Coop Community Fund, LLWR, The Whitehaven News and Seascale Parish Council.