HUNDREDS of excited children – and parents – turned out in force to mark the reopening of Knutsford’s Moor play area.

The opening of the play area on the Moor took place on Thursday, July 10 at 4pm.

Funding for the new equipment was obtained from a number of sources, including WREN, a not-for-profit business which provides grants for community projects from the Landfill Communities Funds, Cheshire East Council, who own and maintain the Moor, and Knutsford Town Council.

Funds were also raised by committee members and supporters of the Friends of the Moor.

The Royal May Queen, Jasmine Dine, made a speech and cut a ribbon to open the event attended by Knutsford Mayor, Clr Neil Forbes, Marianne Hodgkinson, CEC Parks Management Officer, Richard Smith from WREN, Mike Barber from Kompan, who supplied and erected the equipment, CEC Clr David Topping, Vivien Davies, Friends of the Moor Chairman, Robert Newton, FOTM Treasurer who had organised the funding and been in charge of the project for the FOTM, and Jan McCappin, Hayley Wells-Bradshaw and Peter Russell, FOTM members.

Vivien told the Guardian: “It was a beautiful day for the occasion and was well attended by parents, children and teenagers as the age range for the play area has been increased to 15 years.

“It was wonderful to see the children enjoying the new equipment and the event, made extra special by Lewis Brothers, the owners of the ice cream van donating ice cream to the first 50 children after the opening, and Mr Simms Sweet Shop attending the event with free lollipops and sweets.

“The Friends of the Moor provided free refreshments and were kept busy giving out cake and orange squash.

“People were picnicing and there was a real party atmosphere to the long awaited opening of what we hope will be years of enjoyment of the refurbished play area.

“Friends of the Moor wish to thank all those involved in financing the project including WREN, Cheshire East Council, Knutsford Town Council and FOTM who raised funds for the project by holding events.”