BRAND new play equipment — including a ride that feels like the centre of a tornado — is on the way to Okehampton's Simmons Park.

The town council and OCRA have awarded a contract worth £28,500 to play equipment manufacturer Record RSS to install additional playground equipment in the park.

A totem pole will be installed, along with a Devil's Island group swing and two Ski Stepper outdoor fitness machines. A 'Typhoon' ride will also be installed, which gives children over seven the feeling they are floating inside the vortex of a typhoon.

The Play Builder scheme has been funded by Devon County Council and was nearly cancelled last year following cutbacks. The scheme was resurrected when town councillors pointed out a legal agreement was in place for the provision of the funding.

The equipment will be in place by March 20.