STATE-of-the-art play equipment designed to combat childhood obesity has been officially opened in a Worcester park.

About 100 children and adults gathered in Cripplegate Park, St John's, to see the ribbon cut on the I-Play before youngsters set about trying to get the highest score.

Worcester is one of the first cities in the country to get the interactive climbing frame, which can be used by children of all ages and abilities, after a successful bid for lottery funding by the Friends of Cripplegate Park and the city council.

They won almost £45,000 in a televised public vote for ITV's People's Millions in November.

Jordan Powell, of Dines Green, Worcester, was the first person to use the I-Play in his wheelchair. The 16-year-old Christopher Whitehead Language College student said it was tiring but good fun.

He said: "It's the most exercise I've had for a week. It's very enjoyable to play, though. I think people will enjoy it once they've had a go."

Chloe Turner, aged 10, of Evesham, said: "It was fun. I enjoyed all of it."

Worcester Wolves player Liam Sheridan, who was also at the opening ceremony in the park on Saturday, said: "This is a great way for younger or older children to get some exercise. There are no limits because anyone can take part. I've had a go on it and it was pretty difficult - I worked up a bit of a sweat."

The solar-powered, vandal-proof I-Play uses computer technology to encourage children to get fit and have fun at the same time.

The equipment is covered in switches and LED lights, and the aim is for children to run between each switch as fast as they can, competing for the highest score.

The technology also allows people to compete against other cities which have the equipment across the UK.

Linda Sammonds, former chairwoman of the Friends of Cripplegate Park, who was involved in the bid, said it was "a joy to watch" so many children making use of the I-Play.

She said: "This is for all of you so use it, enjoy it, get fit on it, or chill out in it and make sure it lasts us for years to come."

Meanwhile, families enjoyed activities and entertainment including a juggler on stilts and a band, while children made musical instruments.