LOCAL children in one northern Yorkshire Dales town have a new play area following the officially opening a new community garden.

The space - on Richmond's Reeth Road - has been transformed over the past few months, from a piece of unused empty land to an attractive recreational area, complete with play equipment, flower borders and a youth shelter.

"It's a great example of a community making an idea reality", says Liz Smith, Chair of Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership, which funded the work, with the Local Strategic Partnership and Richmondshire District Council. "There's been a lot of support from residents through the planning, construction and planting process."

"We're sure this is going to be a popular space for a long time to come", add local District Council ward members Councillors Linda Curran and Stuart Parsons. " We had been aware of the need for more play equipment for this area and are delighted with the end result. Lots of different groups have worked together to achieve this and it has already become a very popular addition to the area."

Six year old Carenza Green-Wheeler helped District Council Leader, Councillor Melva Steckles cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the play area.

• Photo shows Councillor Melva Steckles and Carenza Green-Wheeler trying out the new Reeth Road community garden and play area.