FAMILIES celebrated the opening of their new £12,000 play area after more than five years in the making.

The garden at St Mary's Church, Kings Worthy, was controversial because of its sensitive setting and covenants on the land.

But parish councillors who worked to keep ensure the design was low-key joined toddlers from the church's Bubbles playgroup to declare the area open.

Cllr Bob Barnes, project manager, said: “This has been a long time coming. Now it’s here we hope people can see what an asset it is to the village. For the children it combines balance, coordination and fun.”

The playground was used by hundreds of children at the recent Worthys Festival.