TRYING out the swings and whizzing down the slide might seem like a dream job for some but for council officers Rob Heard and Patrick Lees it's all in a days work.

The two district council officers have just qualified as playground inspectors and are fit to check out all levels of health and safety - and examine how high play equipment scores on the scale of fun.

In a bid to improve recreation facilities right across the district, the pair took a three-day course and are among the first in the country to hold the new qualification.

Now they will devote part of their working week to making sure all is running tickety-boo in the world of play.

Parks development manager Rob Heard said: "We studied all aspects of recreation, including the philosophy of fun and making sure playtime is as safe as possible.

"We've got a great new area here outside ASDA, which is always filled with happy children, so we want to look after it."

The district council is planning to revamp the other recreation sites around the town, including Sanders Park.

Assistant engineer Patrick Lees added: "We have had very positive feedback on the ASDA playground and there are major improvements to come in the future across the district.

"We are looking forward to implementing the plans."