NEW play equipment for youngsters of all ages in Princetown was officially opened last Thursday.

Over the past seven years, Dartmoor Forest Parish Council has been very successful in raising the funds to redevelop a very dilapidated play area within Princetown, the main settlement within the parish.

Phases one and two have been installed and provide much used and loved play equipment for toddlers and young children in the village. The play area is also often used by the many school parties and visitors to the area.

Over the last 12 months the parish council’s play area group, comprising councillors chairman Gregg Manning, Mark Renders and Wendy Stones, have been actively fundraising for phase three — to install a set of equipment specifically designed to engage and excite an older set of children and young people in the village.

Phase three has seen the installation of a football net, basketball net, pyramid climbing net and shelter, costing just over £24,000.

At the grand opening, Mr Manning said: ‘This has helped to make our park the envy of the surrounding area and we often get youngsters from outside the area visiting. Clearly to draw children from outside of the village means it brings in the parents as well, helping to make the village a lively place to be.

‘These most recent additions have cost us just over £24,000 — helping us to raise that money our thanks must go to Cllr Annabel Roberts and mayor Cllr Philip Sanders.’

Thanks were also expressed to West Devon Borough Council which donated £10,000; Devon County Council Locality Fund, £8,000; Devon County Council Invest in Devon fund, £5,300; and Tavistock Lions, £150.

Cllr Roberts said: ‘It’s been well used by the village and the visitors — it’s great to see the funds used for such a good cause.’

Phase 4 will hopefully see the installation of a skate park behind the community centre in the village.