Sutton Park has received a facelift with the installation of nearly £48,000 worth of new play equipment.

Pupils from the two village primary schools, along with representatives from the funding bodies, Yorventure, Craven District Council, Barnfield Construction Ltd and Sutton Parish Council were invited to attend a grand opening at the park on Friday.

Over the past few weeks, Silsden-based Pennine Playground Ltd installed climbing blocks, a skateboard on rails, side swing, carousel-style ring, toddler slide and a playhouse.

The new equipment adds to the existing equipment already in the park’s junior and toddler play areas.

“Following a consultation programme with local people, this imaginative scheme for children’s play has been created,” said parish council chairman Coun Neil Whitaker. “The project’s aim was to provide new play equipment to give children a more safe, exciting, invigorating and challenging experience. Our improved play area will encourage a stronger community.”

The project cost £47,902, with £22,902 of the funding coming from Yorventure, an organisation that distributes grants through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Sutton’s park keeper Mark Hough officially opened the new play area with a ribbon cutting.

“Mark looks after the park, so we thought it was appropriate that he open it,” said Sutton parish clerk Denise Emmott.