YORK City players helped youngsters get the ball rolling as they celebrated the unveiling of a new play area.

Minstermen favourite David McGurk and Michael Rankine were invited to cut the ribbon at the new facility in Ashton Park, Clifton, by pupils of Burton Green Primary School.

The pupils helped organise the event, having had a big input in the design of the scheme.

They were joined by pupils from Canon Lee School and members of the school’s samba band.

A drum roll by Year Five pupil Edward Mitten and a mass release of balloons marked the occasion.

Linda Whitehead, chair of governors at the school, said: “It was fantastic, there was a real party atmosphere.

“So many children from the local community came and had a fabulous time. It was so important for those children to realise that they have a say in what goes on in their area and they often don’t get to see it come to fruition but today they did.”

The equipment, which is funded by the Government’s Playbuilder initiative, is aimed at children aged between eight and 13.

A new park was also opened yesterday at Park Grove Primary School, after it received a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery fund.

The equipment will be used by pupils during the school day, and will be open to the general public after school and at weekends.