The new Abbey Meadows play area in Abingdon, has been officially opened.

The chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council Briony Newport and eight-year-old Anna McMahon, from St Edmunds School, cut the ribbons.

The area is the second part of the the first phase of a five-year restoration of the Abbey Grounds, costing £1.2m. The first part was the revamped car park that opened in January.

One of the three tennis courts and part of the crazy golf was removed to make way for the new play area. There are traditional swings, a roundabout and slides together with more modern equipment including a space net -- a web of climbing ropes.

Surrounded by schoolchildren, Mrs Newport said: "This new play area replaces the old playground at the bottom of Abbey Close. It is much improved on what was here before.

"It is brighter, with wonderful new equipment and much safer and secure for the children. Parents will have peace of mind knowing their children will be in a much improved environment."

The restoration of the Abbey Grounds is a five-year project, jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the district council.