The beach play park in Belvedere has officially opened with residents turning out in force for the grand opening.

Belvedere Beach opened yesterday with a ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Bexley Peter Reader.

The seaside playground has water activities including a ground access roundabout which all children can use, including wheelchair users.

Karen Grace Atse and Freya Wylde, both aged 8, from St Augustine Primary School were at the opening.

Karen said: “I really like the new water play area; it will be really nice on a hot sunny day

“My favourite thing here is the hammock swings.”

Freya said: “I’ll come here once a week.”

The park received a £150,000 grant from Cory Environment Trust, an environment body which supports community and environment projects.

Bexley Voice and Bexley SNAP helped to provide the ideas and feedback during the consultation period to make sure the playground would meet the needs of all children in Bexley.

Councillor Peter Craske said: “I’d like to thank all those involved in this project for everything you have done to turn what was an idea on a piece of paper into reality, creating something unique - not just for Bexley but beyond that too.

“Without the funding from Cory Environmental Trust, strong team work and creativity that everyone involved has shown we would not have a playground of this incredibly high standard that is opening well ahead of schedule and in time for the school holidays. I'm so proud of what you have all achieved.”

The Mayor of Bexley Cllr Peter Reader officially opened Belvedere Beach to the public at 12 noon.

The new playground on Woolwich Road will continue to be open all year round and is completely free to use.