YOUNGSTERS in Aston Cantlow will now be benefiting from better play facilities - thanks to a grant for thousands of pounds and hard work from a committed group of village volunteers.

The playground facilities in the village have been refurbished with the help of a £14,451 grant from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund.

Grants were also given by South Warwickshire Housing Association and Stratford District Council.

Aston Cantlow playground is a well-used facility which has been in place for many years but had fallen into disrepair.

The need for it to be refurbished was identified through an inspection by the district council and consultation between parents, young people and village organisations.

The grant, administered by Warwickshire Environmental Trust, has been used to repair the playground, bringing it up to European safety standards.

The work involved the removal of unsafe equipment, repairs to remaining items, installing new apparatus, creating a safe ground surface, replacing existing goal netting and painting of equipment.

The grant also included a £1,445 contribution from Aston Cantlow Playground Committee raised through fund-raising.

Playground committee spokeswoman Carol Evans said: "It has been a lot of hard work over the past two years but it's rewarding to see the transformation.

"We are grateful to the organisations and individuals who have helped and supported us."

The reopening was performed by the youngest resident, Orla Grace Shields, five, and the oldest, Mrs Read, aged 93.