A park in West Cumbria officially opened in time for the start of the summer holidays.

Pottery Park in Dearham was opened by paralympian Simon Lawson on Thursday.

Around 100 children flocked to the play area to see the new facilities, which include an area for small children and one for older ones.

The project for older children has been funded thanks to Wren's FCC Community Action Fund, which has given Dearham Parish Council £22,000 to provide an area for teenagers, which includes a shelter, stepping pods and a goal module with basketball net.

The younger playground has been installed thanks to money generated by two recent housing developments in the village.

Story Homes and Persimmon Homes provided £35,000 each towards the playground.

George Scott, chairman of Dearham Parish Council, said: "The opening event was very well attended, there were lots of children there.

"We've timed it so it would be open in time for the summer holidays for children to be able to enjoy it. I'm sure they will greatly benefit from this facility."

Wren is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Dearham Parish Council set up a committee to oversee the playground development.

Children from the village school, local groups and clubs, parents and grandparents all provided ideas of what they would like to see if the playground was to be of benefit to the whole community.

Pauline Scott, of the committee, said: "We asked Simon Lawson to come and open the park because he's a local lad who's represented not only the county but the country on many occasions.

"He's a good role model, he can show children what determination and dedication can do."