WORK is due to start today on a new £94,000 play park for Bakers Park in Newton Abbot.

The state-of-the-art play facility will replace the ageing playground, and will use the surrounding environment to create exciting and unusual play opportunities for children.

The new play space has been welcomed by councillors.

The scheme has been funded by Teignbridge Council, Devon County Council and Newton Abbot Town Council.

Equipment included will be an aerial runway zipwire, a large wooden climbing frame with nets, swings, a play trail and a natural dome made of willow.

A separate toddlers' area will include swings and a multi-unit with steps, a walkway and a slide.

The design for the new play area was helped by the Friends of Bakers Park community group and the Newton Abbot Community Interest Company.

Cllr Carol Bunday, Deputy Mayor of Newton Abbot said: "It is not before time that Bakers Park had a play area to be proud of and this project will certainly deliver a quality play provision for our young people."

Cllr Anne Fry, Teignbridge Council's executive member for recreation, said: "This project is one of only 11 in Devon which successfully bid for Play Builder funding from Devon County Council, and we're pleased to have contributed extra funding of our own to help make it happen.

"The old play park was looking very tired, so I look forward to seeing residents and visitors making the most of a brand new, top-notch play area very soon."

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's cabinet member, said: "Providing innovative, stimulating play spaces for children is so vital for children's self-esteem; giving them opportunities for challenge and development and positive risk taking in a safe environment.

"We are really pleased that children and families in Newton Abbot are one of the communities across Devon who will benefit from this funding."