Parents and toddlers celebrated the opening of a play park in North Oxford following a £55,000 refurbishment.

Deputy Lord Mayor John Goddard cut the tape to open the revamped city council play area in Alexandra Park on Saturday, accompanied by BBC Radio Oxford presenter Bill Heine.

Children’s author Mini Grey was also at the park, between Woodstock Road and Middle Way, to judge a children’s drawing competition.

The opening also launched the park’s new mini-beast treasure hunt.

Bugs of every kind have been carved in hidden places around the park for youngsters to discover.

Mother Laura Evers, 39, chairman of the Alexandra Park Friends, whose children Abi, five, and Lucie, three, play in the park, said: “The Friends worked closely with play consultants PlayLink, project managers Groundwork and the city council, to redesign a play area North Oxford can be proud of.

“We’re very pleased that the project has been completed in two years.”

Youngsters enjoyed face painting, a bouncy castle and basketball coaching to celebrate the occasion.

Contractors have been working on the facelift for two years following the founding of the Alexandra Park Friends group in November 2007.

The play area now has swings, see-saw and a sandpit as well as a climbing frame.