A WALNEY park is set to undergo a massive revamp with the addition of play equipment inspired by children's imaginations, while making the area accessible for disabled youngsters.

The playground in James Dunn Park, known locally as Vickerstown Park, is to be redeveloped after years of hard work by the North Walney Tenants and Residents' Association on the project.

Pod swings, trampolines and climbing frames are set to be installed for youngsters to enjoy - a huge transformation from the current state of the area which has become past its best.

Children from Vickerstown Primary School, George Hastwell School and North Walney Primary School were all invited to draw their ideas for play equipment, with the most popular and creative ideas being picked to become reality.

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Stephen Thornton, chairman of North Walney Tenants and Residents' Association, said: "We needed somewhere for handicapped children because there's nowhere else to go. This will be inclusive.

"We asked the people on North Walney and the kid's clubs what they wanted. This design is what the kids want.

"We just thought we would go for it. We need to say a big thank-you to the people who sponsored us and the people who filled in the forms.

"This project will provide a real boost to the people of north Walney. It's fantastic that WREN has awarded us this money and we're really looking forward to our park taking shape over the next few weeks."

The project has received £50,000 funding from WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

'Worthwhile project'

Richard Smith, WREN's grant manager for Cumbria, said: "It's always good to see something we have funded start to take shape.

"We're delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and look forward to it benefitting children and families across Walney Island."

Some of the designs by the children took inspiration from the local landscape, with the submarines from Barrow shipyard, the boats in Walney Channel and the animals at South Lakes Safari Zoo featuring in the tailor-made equipment by Proludic.

A spokesman for the company said: "Proludic were honoured to be chosen to work with the friends of group at Vickerstown to provide the play area.

"We are excited to start the project and can't wait for the local community to benefit from a brand new play area."

The project, which has the backing of Barrow Borough Council, will accommodate a range of disabilities so children with hearing, sight and mobility impairments and sensory processing disorders can join the fun.

Some of the equipment pieces

- The Submarine

- Melvin the Monkey

- The Ship Springer

- The Pyramid Climber

- The Adventure Multiplay Unit

- The Jeep

- The Weaving Jungle