A run-down play area is to get a new lease of life after almost £50,000 was raised for a makeover.

Work is to start in April on improving the Peat Moors play area, next to the Bullingdon Community Centre, in Headington, Oxford.

The renovation has been made possible after the Bullingdon Community Association won a £24,544 grant from Living Spaces, a Government-funded scheme.

Oxford City Council's Cowley area committee then allocated a £25,328 grant.

Association secretary Richard Bryant said he was pleasantly surprised at the size of the award, which would mean a radical improvement.

He said: "At one time it was well relatively well-equipped, but over the years various items have fallen into disuse or become dangerous, and have been removed. There's now a small slide, climbing frames and swings and that's all there is."

Following consultation with residents, the community association has decided to spend the money on providing a range of modern play equipment for children aged from toddlers up to 12.

Benches and picnic tables will be added for parents and carers, and access from the car park and security will both be improved.

Kathy Partlett, who helps run a parent and toddler group, which meets three times a week at the Bullingdon Community Centre, said: "It will be the only decent park around here. It will make a massive difference."