THE children of a village near Selby will be kept entertained this summer with the opening of a new play area, in Garth Drive, Hambleton.

It will be opened by Jonathan Swain, head teacher of Hambleton Church of England Primary School, on May 20, at 2pm.

The equipment is suitable for children up to the age of 12 and the site will be open from 9am to 8.30pm daily.

Hambleton Play Area Association raised £75,000 in order to pay for the facility which the association hopes will bring pleasure to children, parents and carers.

Ann Witham, secretary of the association, said: "I got involved because my oldest child was born more than 18 years ago and never had anywhere he could play.

"It also meant there was nowhere for mothers and carers to socialise.

"Our first problem was finding a suitable site."

This stumbling block was eventually removed when a 30-year lease was agreed with Persimmon for the land in Garth Drive in September 2001.

The play equipment itself was bought from Playworld Systems (Europe) whose design was the favourite among children and parents following a public display of the different bids.

Ann said: "We raised the money from everywhere - fundraising events, Selby District Council, and individuals.

"Hambleton Parish Council enabled us to access £25,000 and we were awarded £14,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund."

The Play Area Association had hoped to install the equipment before Christmas, but this was hindered by the wet autumn weather.

Ann said: "We are just waiting for the turf to get established now. The children are aching to get on it.

"We are also hoping to landscape the site and would welcome any offers of help."

The play area association need plants, shrubs, bulbs and bark chippings, as well as anyone who can spare some time.

If you can help, phone Ann on 01757 228530.

Updated: 12:06 Saturday, May 03, 2003