IT'S KIDS all the way as redevelopment plans for a park in Callington take shape — an art competition is the latest idea to get the town's youngsters involved.

Children are being asked to draw or paint one thing which they think would encourage young people to play in the Saltash Road Recreation Ground, with the winners of each age category getting their name and handprints on the new park signage.

According to town councillors, the park has been calling out for a revamp for some time. Members would like to bring it up to the standard of the park on the other side of the town at Launceston Road, which has been redeveloped over the past couple of years with grant funding.

But the town council wants the children to take the lead so they get exactly what they want and will look after it into the future.

The cash-strapped council is looking into selling off two pieces of land adjacent to the park for housing to help fund the project and a revamp of the town hall. The money it needs is likely to be in the region of £250,000.

The art competition follows a successful consultation workshop in the town hall where children between five and 12 years of age gave their opinions on the park through talking, playing and building models.

As well as looking at new equipment, other ideas include re-landscaping the park and creating hills and slopes and a natural amphitheatre for local events.

The art competition has three age categories — seven years and under, eight to eleven years and 12 to 16 years. Those entering who are eleven or younger will automatically be entered into a prize draw whereby the winner will help the portreeve, Rick Lumley, switch on the Christmas lights on December 5.

'We want the children to draw or paint one thing that would encourage youngsters to play in Saltash Road Play Park,' said town clerk Vernon Anderson.

'It could be rolling down a hill, walking along a log, climbing, swinging, kicking a ball around or playing on some play equipment that you love but have seen in another park.'

Any materials can be used, including pencils, crayons, paints or bits and pieces glued onto paper to make a model. A photograph can be taken of the model if it is delicate. The closing date for entries is September 21.

Anyone who wants more information can call the town hall on 01579 384039.