NEW play equipment has already been taken up with relish by youngsters in a village.

The equipment at Thornwood Common Playing Field, Thornwood, has received a near £20,000 makeover thanks to grants from Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council, and the Essex Community Initiative fund.

A new youth shelter, kickwall, and see-saw have already been added to the site with more equipment to come.

The new playground was officially opened by county councillors Anthony Jackson, Liz Webster and Janet Whitehouse with Epping Forest District Council chairman Penny Smith.

The ribbon was cut by Thornwood Common Village Hall chairman Richard Spearman who also donated £1,000 to the scheme from his local business Happy Grow Garden Centre.

Mr Spearman said: “We have had a few complaints from people saying the playground equipment in the village was a bit dated. The kids really appreciate it, and they're already making use of everything. We have two more pieces of equipment to be installed then we'll be done.

“We're only a small community but it's nice to keep up to date.”