A NEW extended play area has been opened in the village of East Harlsey, near Northallerton.

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak cut the ribbon to declare the play park open at a social evening attended by more than 60 villagers.

The park is now larger and has additional equipment to supplement the play facilities which had been in place since 1996.

The work cost £30,000 which was raised by villagers with help from Hambleton District Council, the local developers’ fund and the Friends of the local school.

A large grant was also received from the National Lottery Awards For All scheme and members of the village cricket club also provided practical support.

Village hall committee chairman Richard Martin said: "A lot of hard work by local people and volunteers has gone in to make this happen but now we have an exciting new play area to meet the needs of our youngsters and to bring the community together.”

The initiative was also recognised by Hambleton District Council in its recent community awards.