A five-year £50,000 project to transform a village play area has been officially opened.

The scheme at Wheathampstead’s central Marford Playing Fields includes state-of-the-art French designed Proludic play equipment suitable for all ages from toddlers to teenagers.

The project is part of the parish council’s drive to improve sport and leisure facilities as part of its Village Plan, with three other play areas already completed and more planned shortly.

Marford is part of a major Olympic Legacy scheme that includes a third generation artificial grass sports pitch and outdoor table tennis table.

Parish council vice-chairman Cllr Annie Brewster said: “Our residents were concerned that Marford Road play area catered only for the very young child or much older teenagers.

“The new scheme we have installed now provides for the complete range including the missing age, children from six to 12. It certainly offers plenty of exciting equipment that is both challenging and fun.”

Parish council clerk Julia Warren said: “We have had so many compliments about the design of the area and choice of equipment already.

“The park is buzzing and now seems to be a regular destination for all ages from all over the village.”

Tomas Harrison, 10, said: “I think the new playground is awesome. I love the zip wire and new equipment because it’s for older children and really good fun. I also like meeting my friends to play table tennis.”

Oliver O’Sullivan, also 10, added: “It’s brilliant, we can walk there and it is so much better than what was there before.”