A VILLAGE near Crediton now has a children’s play area which will be the envy of many villages in the county.

Colebrooke Parish Council has now completed a £48,000 refurbishment of the play area at Coleford.

There are many new pieces of play equipment and Steve Smith, chairman of the council, said that the council had provided equipment for children from ages two to 11 years.

He thanked all those who had been involved in the project and thanked SUEZ Communities Fund for its grant of £28,000.

He explained: “The Parish Plan undertaken by a group of local people and the Parish Council about eight years ago identified the need for better equipment at the play area.

“We have been able to fund the rest of the total from our own Parish Council funds and we are really pleased with the result.”

He went on to thank former Parish Councillors Rachel and Steve, Matthew, clerk Penny Clapham and Mark from the New Inn who allowed contractors to use facilities at the public house, as well as Somerset Landscapes.

He also thanked Mel Stride, the MP for Central Devon and County Councillor Frank Letch for their support.

Mr Smith introduced Freya (9) and Sibbie (7), who cut a ribbon to declare the play area open.

Freya said: “Sibbie and I would like to thank the Parish Council and residents of Colebrooke, Coleford and Penstone for this wonderful new play equipment - we absolutely love it.”

Many local residents attended the ceremony to declare the new equipment open including Mark and the New Inn’s resident and well-known parrot, Captain.

Parish Councillor Margaret Manning said: “The play area has something for all, it is really brilliant, really lovely.”

Also thanked, and who also attended, was Neville Enderson who loans the land to the Parish Council for the play area.

Seating and a shelter have been provided for parents attending while children play on the equipment.