A NEW playground was officially unveiled at a village near York - almost a year after its predecessor was ripped down.

Excited youngsters at Newton-on-Ouse have been clambering on the new equipment since it was installed earlier this month.

And on Saturday, a village party was held to celebrate the achievement of local people who fought to get the playground replaced.

The original playground was removed last year after it was deemed to be unsafe.

But after a concerted effort by villagers to replace the facility, a £37,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant was issued.

The playground, with swings, slides, a roundabout, climbing frame and soft rubber matting, was officially opened on Saturday with a special party.

Opera singer Lynne Dawson, a former member of York Chapter House Choir, who sang Verdi's Requiem at Princess Diana's funeral, carried out the official duty.

Oliver Foxcroft, chairman of the playing fields committee, said: "I feel very pleased that the community has a new playground for the children, and I think that the committee should be very proud of what it's achieved."

Updated: 10:41 Monday, October 01, 2001