A new £40,000 children’s play area has officially opened after a community fundraising effort.

The group North Weald Mums contributed £3,500 towards the new facility behind the village hall, with the rest of the cost covered by grants.

Contributors included the Barley Barn Day Nursery, The Grange Farm Trust and Stansted Airport, along with the parish, district and county council.

The playground, which includes swings, a climbing frame and a pole spin, was officially opened at the second annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic, organised by North Weald Mums on Sunday.

The group began its fundraising effort last year after deciding to renovate an old wooden assault course on North Weald Common.

The money was raised through a series of events including parties, carol singing and comedy nights.

Members then approached the parish council with the plans.

North Weald Mums chairwoman, Sue Malpass, said the play area has united the community.

Speaking after the opening, she said: "I am proud to be chairperson of such a brilliant group of mums who have made so much happen in such a short space of time." 

The park is set to be an ongoing project, with the group now aiming to raise £5,000 for  a roundabout with disabled access.

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday.