CHILDREN from Lambourne Primary School were the first in line to enjoy the brand new playground in their village.

New facilities have been set up at Pancroft Ring, in Abridge, following successful applications to the Big Lottery Fund by Epping Forest District Council and Lambourne Parish Council.

District council chairman Anne Grigg officially unveiled the new equipment and praised everyone involved in its construction.

She particularly singled out the partnership work carried out between the two councils.

Asking the children if they liked their new playground, she was rewarded with cheers of agreement.

Abridge is one of three areas to benefit from improvement to playgrounds by Epping Forest District Council using £243,000 of Big Lottery funding.