YOUNGSTERS of all ages took to Abbey Park, Evesham and Abbey Park, Pershore, this summer to cool off in the new water play fountain.

The new water play area is an innovation where youngsters can run on a rubber surface while underground pipes feed fountains that spray water intermittently when they stand on pressure pads.

The area, opened in both parks in August was enthusiastically enjoyed by local children and funded by the Liveability fund from the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott's office.

Wychavon District Council Parks Officer Lynn Stevens explained that the Water Play scheme was one of 300 applications received from across the country and it was accepted as a pilot project for the Worcestershire Green Spaces Partnership.

Cleaner

She said: "It's a greener, cleaner, safer initiative to improve parks and open spaces throughout Worcestershire.

"Children can play more safely. We use fresh water from the mains which is not recycled and it is all operated by computer so it doesn't need a full time attendant.

"It's a great way to include all age ranges and those with special needs and disabilities," she said.