YOUNGSTERS met a gold medal winning Paralympian as he officially opened new play equipment at Trinity First School in Verwood.

Cyclist Darren Kenny, who won gold at the Beijing Paralympics and lives in the town, joined mayor Toni Coombs to open the play area after a two-year fundraising campaign netted more than £7,000 for new equipment.

Tina Booth, who was chairman of the school’s fundraising committee when the money was raised, said: “When the school opened ten years ago we had just two pieces of equipment in the playground.

“Now there is also a traversing wall, monkey bars and several role-playing items such as a shop front and balance equipment.

“A Verwood company, Wood Themes, made the equipment, which is very in keeping with the surrounding area.”