Work has started on the installation of a new village play park.

On Saturday, old equipment was removed from Thursby playing field to make way for the new equipment that is due to be installed from June 10.

For the past five years, a small group of volunteers have been working tirelessly to refurbish the playing field.

Richard Johnston, secretary of Thursby sports and recreation committee, said: “We’ve raised £75,000 for it and, with the help of a group of local volunteers, we ripped out the old equipment to make way for the new equipment.

“The installation of the new area will take about four weeks to complete and we hope to have it finished by early July.”

In five years the group has raised more than £400,000, which has paid for a new pavilion, car park, new pitches, and changing rooms as well as equipment to help keep the area maintained.

Mr Johnston added: “We’re really excited and really pleased with how the project has gone.

“The play area is the final piece of the jigsaw. I can’t wait for it to be finished, ready for the children to use.”

There will be two new areas, one for two to five-year-olds and one for six to 12-year-olds, replacing the one that has been there for more than 20 years.