IT IS not often that a landfill site can be credited with helping improve the environment for children.

But at a village near Pocklington that is what has happened thanks to the hard work of villagers and the Landfill Communities Fund, formerly called the Landfill Tax Credit System.

Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN) donated £20,000 to the Shiptonthorpe Playing Fields Association to help pay for a new playground.

WREN uses tax credits generated by landfill operator Waste Recycling Group Ltd to fund community-based projects.

Members of the playing fields association are now celebrating finishing the first stage in the development of the site - swings, slides, spinners and a roundabout have all been installed and an area has been planted with bulbs and shrubs.

There are also plans for a picnic table for when the weather gets warmer.

Di Thompson, chairman of the Shiptonthorpe Playing Fields Association, said she is thrilled the first stage of the development is complete.

She said: "It's great to see the children enjoying themselves on the play equipment and to have a communal area that we can all enjoy.

"It is a credit to those in the village who have given their time to make it happen and to WREN which provided much of the funding."

Other funding was received from the National Lottery Awards For All Scheme and from villagers, who organised events, including a fete, last year.

Simon Baty, treasurer of the playing fields association, said there are plenty of ideas for the next stage of the development. Mr Baty said: "We really want to talk to people about what we have done, if they are happy with it and what else they would like.

"There has been talk of tennis courts and all-weather play areas.

"We want to do more and just get it used."

Anyone who wants to have a say and hear about what has been happening should attend the playing fields association's AGM at the village hall tomorrow, at 8pm.