AN overgrown patch of land which has been transformed into a play area for young people has been officially opened in Southwold.

Work to create the play area at the Klondyke, opposite the pier, started last spring and the site is now home to skateboard ramps, basketball hoops and a climbing frame with slides and seating.

The site was handed over to Southwold Town Council from Waveney District Council last year, allowing work to start to clear the area and resurface it to make way for the new equipment.

It was officially opened by town mayor Sue Allen on Saturday. She said: 'This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by the community.

'I know that the young people have a lovely time here because I watch them sometimes and it's great to see them. They have been involved in the project since the beginning.

'It's always been the town council's intention to have a play area here, and perhaps our next step will be some adult fitness equipment.'

Town councillor John Windell, who has led the project, said: 'The children have a stake in this, and that's really important. They have turned out in all weathers to help get the site ready.'

Funding for the project came from a range of sources including Southwold Town Council, the Southwold Trust, the Adnams Trust, section 106 money and locality money from Suffolk county councillor John Goldsmith.