Dowsby play area is one of six in South Kesteven, including the Woody Heights Skate Park at Deeping St James, to receive a share of almost a quarter of a million pounds from the Big Lottery Fund. Almost £6,500 has been spent at Deeping St James.

New equipment, which included a tower of climbing frames and ropes, was officially opened by resident and benefactor Edmund Marshall in front of many delighted youngsters on Saturday.

Dale Kitchen, of SKDC, had been instrumental in winning the lottery money.

He said: "This is the second Big Lottery Funded project to be completed with the support of SKDC. Projects such as this really give the children and young people of rural communities the opportunity to experience great quality play equipment on their doorstep.

"As well as extending the existing play area, it will enable children and young people to be challenged physically and mentally and to explore their imaginations."

The Dowsby project has received £32,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and £1,000 from Dowsby Playground Committee.