A GRANT of almost £50,000 saw a brand new play area opened up in a West Oxfordshire village.

The extended play area in the Les Hole Playing Field in Freeland features a family picnic spot next to a play area, alongside a zip wire to entertain children and adults alike.

The new equipment has been made possible by a grant of £47,000 from funding body WREN, which is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community and heritage projects.

Spokesperson Mary Ann Canning, of Freeland Parish Council, said she thought the facility, which opened on Thursday, will make a huge difference to the lives of people living in the area and adding that she wanted the playing field to be a key part of the community.

She said: "The project will provide a real boost to the people of Freeland.

"It's fantastic that WREN have awarded us this money and we are so pleased to have completed this new addition to the playing field.

"We hope to build on this investment and continue to add to play opportunities, by involving the children in designing a scooter trail, adding native planting and making willow sculptures with the help of a local crafts person."

Sarah Nicholson, headteacher of Freeland Primary School, said the pupils at the school had been consulted on plans for the park and were very pleased with the finished product.

She said: "It's fantastic to have a play area that all of the students can use and it's just going to be a really great part of the local community.

"I think a lot of people at the school have helped fundraise for the park and all of the children have had an input so I think they're all really excited to start using it."

The equipment in the playground is largely made from Robinia hardwood, which gives a distinctive irregular shape and does not need chemical preservative treatment.