A LARGE crowd gathered in Spreyton as a new children?s play area in the village playing fields was officially opened on Saturday.
The purchase of the new play equipment was made possible with three grants from Living Spaces, Awards for All and the Local Network Fund, which is managed by the Devon Community Foundation, totalling more than £20,000.
The biggest single grant was made by Living Spaces who awarded £13,226. Awards For All provided £5,000 and the Local Network Fund gave £2,497.
Among those attending were representatives of the bodies who awarded grants and West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett and his wife, Billie.
Chairman of the village trust Tony Talbot welcomed everyone and paid tribute to the Tom Cobley Tavern, those who had organised fundraising events and those who donated generously, and Playline from Newton Abbot who designed the equipment.
A number of local people also deserved a mention for the work they had done, he said.
Alan Smith had overseen the installation and helped with grass-cutting and pipe laying, Clive Lott removed the old equipment, Francis Gillard lent his strimmer and Pete Grimley arranged for the removal of the old slide.
Finally, Mr Talbot thanked Zoe Smith, who had the vision of a new play area and the determination to carry the dream through.
She was presented with flowers by Mr Burnett. Mrs Smith said it had been a ?brilliant day? with all the children excited to be able to use the play equipment for the first time.
Mr Burnett then cut the blue ribbon to officially open the play area to cheers from the many young children.
The area will be fenced off to keep dogs away from the children and as it is now part of the community, the trust asks for everyone?s vigilance to keep it safe.
Refreshments were served in the village hall, with sausages supplied by Lovaton Farm and salad prepared by the Tom Cobley Tavern.
RIGHT: John Burnett MP with village trust chairman Tony Talbot and project co-ordinator Zoe Smith.