A TEA party was held to mark the opening of Odstock’s new playground on Friday.

Youngsters gathered at the park, at the end of Shepherds Close, and cut the ribbon to declare it officially open.

Parish councillor Gavin Simmonite said it has taken two years to raise the £25,000 needed, which came from various funds and grants including £11,000 from the Cleansing Services Group through the Land Communities Fund.

Cllr Simmonite said: “We had all the local families with children come along after school and the children opened the playground. We had a tea party for them and they loved it; it’s the only playground in the village and it has become a focal point for them. We got as much for our money as possible and it is proving really popular.”