A £75,000 play area installed at a village park has been hailed as a “fantastic addition” to the local community.

The exciting facility at Thursby playing field opened to the public on June 6 and leaders behind the project say it has been busy every night since.

For the past five years, a small group of volunteers have been working tirelessly to refurbish the playing field and have made numerous changes in that time.

£75,000 was needed for the play area and just over a year ago, Richard Johnston, secretary of Thursby sports and recreation committee, started putting in bids to secure the funding.

Grants came from the National Lottery Community Fund, Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust, Allerdale Council, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Community Foundation, and other national grant giving trusts.

This went hand in hand with committee members and the community’s ongoing fundraising campaign.

Mr Johnston said: “We’ve got about eight different bits of equipment.

“Some for two to five-year-olds and some for the older children aged six to 12.

“Every night since it opened there has been lots of children down there as well as parents watching over them.

“It’s been great. It is a fantastic edition to the village.”

Over five years ago, committee members drew up a facility development proposal which included all the plans to renovate different parts of the playing field.

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.

The play park was the final piece of the jigsaw.

Mr Johnston continued: “It feels good to get everything done.

“It’s brilliant. The reaction we have had has been great.

“Hearing people’s feedback has been fantastic and long may it last. We hope they have lots of fun down there.”