CHILDREN living at Saltersford Gardens in Holmes Chapel have given their new park a big thumbs-up.

Youngsters from the development were invited to be the first to explore the new playground as it was officially opened by special guests.

Spiderman and Elsa were on hand to help Chloe Walker cut the ribbon and welcome visitors.

Chloe was one of the first children to move to Saltersford Gardens when dad Kevin bought a new home last summer, and was given the honour of helping the celebs on the day.

Kevin said: “The playground is really good, I was very impressed, and Chloe was delighted to help cut the ribbon. She enjoyed meeting the characters and playing on the monkey bars with Spiderman.

“For us it was a good opportunity to meet some more new neighbours and catch up with those we’ve already become friends with.

“This is a really friendly development and, as more new families arrive, I think the playground will help people get to know each other which is great.”

About 100 people came along to the event, staged by housebuilder Russell Homes, which has invested a six-figure sum in the play equipment.

When complete the Saltersford Gardens development will feature a 93 detached, semi-detached and mews properties.

Russell Homes sales manager Gill Richardson said: “Saltersford Gardens is more than half occupied and the community that is developing is extremely friendly, which is really wonderful to see.

“The park is a fantastic addition for the families living here and for children from across Holmes Chapel, all of who are welcome to enjoy the new facilities on offer here.

“We were delighted to welcome Chloe and all of our guests to the official opening weekend, and I’m very pleased to see how much the children enjoyed playing on the swings, the slide, the seesaw and the climbing frame.

“Parks are often a hub for the local community and we hope this playground will become just that and help to bring people together.”

Guests were treated to a complimentary treat from the ice cream van as the weather cheered up for the opening.

Another visitor was Beth Robinson who has bought a property at Saltersford Gardens and brought the whole family for a look around.

Nephew Bobby McCamley particularly enjoyed clambering over the climbing frame with Spiderman while niece Annabel Wish was enchanted by Queen Elsa who took time out to push her on the swings.

Bobby’s mum Claire McCamley said: “It was a really good day and the children had a great time having a play and getting their pictures taken with the characters, and having an ice cream of course.

“It was lovely to see where my sister is going to be living and we were really impressed with the park, I’m sure the children will be getting to know it very well in the coming years.”

The show homes and sales suite at Saltersford Gardens are open for visitors from 10am to 5pm Thursday to Monday, drop in or via appointment. For more information call 01477 534 046.