CHILDREN will enjoy a larger play area and a skate park thanks to a funding boost.

The parish council in Hapton has received a £38,972 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust towards moving the play area to a larger location on the recreation ground within Ruskin Grove.

The work will see the installation of new play equipment aimed at a wider range of ages and abilities.

A skate park will also be created nearby after requests from residents.

Timothy Birbeck, chairman of Hapton Parish Council, said: “It is great that the Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded this grant.

“We have already taken steps to improve the area but the new recreation facilities will provide children, young people and families with a safe and exciting environment in the heart of their community where they can enjoy active play.”

The new facilities will form part of a wider project to refurbish the entire recreation ground as it has become underused in recent years due to the poor quality of equipment.

The recently-developed community building, new outdoor fitness equipment and updated tennis courts have already improved the recreation ground.

The football pitch is also due to be upgraded with a £50,000 grant from Sport England.

McNabb Laurie, executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, said: “Projects like this one make a real difference to our communities and our board awarded this grant on its merits.

“We will now start working with the applicant to develop a project that will really benefit children, young people and families in Hapton.”