GENERATIONS of children in Darwen’s East Rural district will be able to practise their ‘tractor skills’ in the area’s new playground, thanks to a local businessman.

Heath Kershaw, who owns a welding engineering company in Eccleshill, commissioned his staff to build a replica tractor for the playground after finding out that the recent £50,000 refurbishment did not meet all of the community’s needs.

Mr Kershaw, who also chairs Eccleshill Parish Council, said: “When we got to view the plans for the new playground, we found out there was nothing for young children.

“I decided to do something for the community and thought a tractor piece would be apt for the rural area.

“I hope it will encourage many children to play.”

The tractor took two weeks to build and is made of galvanised steel.

"It has several play features including a tunnel at the front, a cab for shelter complete with cut-out window, and a ledge on the back.

It has been fully certified for use by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.