SIXTEEN years ago, two 11-year-old girls living in Shipton-under-Wychwood wrote to the parish council asking for a new play area.

On Friday – after an investment of more than £100,000, their dream has come true – to the delight of a new generation of children in the village.

At the time Emma Cuthbertson and Sarah Perry sent their letter, complaining that the swings on the green were broken and there was nowhere else to play, cash was in short supply.

The village was raising money to build the New Beaconsfield Hall and there was none to spare for the Station Road playground.

However, their request was never forgotten by former parish council chairman Malcolm Cochrane.

He said: “I decided to make getting a new playground my project after stepping down from the council.

“We began planning in 2007 and set about forming a committee and seeking grants to pay for the work.”

He said: “It was a tortuous process and there were times when I wondered if we would ever raise the money but everyone is very happy about the end result.

“Parents come with their children after school. Most afternoons when the weather is good there are 60 people down here. It’s just amazing.”

Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron opened the playground and was joined by Emma, now 27.

She said: “I never thought this would be the result of that letter. If you saw it back then there was literally just a set of swings. It’s absolutely fantastic to see it like this, it's so much better.”

Middle Barton’s Trevor Stewart Play Equipment carried out the work.

Mr Stewart said: “It’s probably one of the biggest jobs we have ever done but shows what can be achieved when the support is there.”

Mr Cameron, who attended hours after returning from a visit to Libya with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, said: “As someone with young children, I know how important these places are.

“We say we want kids to be outside more and to exercise more and this is just what’s needed.”

Youngsters hailed the new play area.

Five-year-old Luca Mitchell, from nearby Ascott-under-Wychwood, said he enjoyed playing on the climbing frame and ropes.

He said: “I love climbing, doing handstands and gymnastics.”

Martin Walsh, from Shipton, who was watching seven-year-old son Carl climbing and playing on the zip wire, said: “This is heaven. The children love it.”

Grants included £11,000 from the parish council, £20,000 from West Oxfordshire District Council and £47,000 from Oxfordshire County Council. Individuals gave donations and fundraising events included a village dance which raised £5,000.