Youngsters who helped redevelop a Headington play park have finally seen their hard work pay off.

The brand new play area was officially opened in Bury Knowle Park on Friday.

Children from schools in Headington were asked to give designers ideas for the park and have backed the results.

Alex Stephenson, eight, who goes to St Andrew’s School in Headington, said: “I think it is really good and it looks brilliant.

“It feels strange to see our ideas brought to life. It makes me proud.”

Tiana Porter, also eight, from St Andrew’s School, said: “It is really good and much better than the old play area.”

The play area takes its inspiration from Oxford authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis with visitors entering through a timber wardrobe.

As well as Narnia character springers, local sculptor Matt Cave turned a dead cedar tree into a sculpted seated area featuring characters from the two authors’ books.

Rosemary Belton, of Friends of Bury Knowle Park, said: “It is a really nice play area and I think it will draw more people to the park.

“It must be more than twice the size of the previous play area and now there are things which look much more inventive and children can use their imagination.”

Other features include a timber multi-play castle unit, new toddler swings, roundabout, climbing net and sand pit, with access impro-ved by a new path.

Headington councillor Ruth Wilkinson said: “The play area looks fantastic and it has been thoroughly enjoyed throughout the summer holidays.

“The project team addressed concerns that were raised and grandparents, parents and children were able to have their say about how they wanted their new play area to look.”

Children at St And-rew’s School, Windmill Primary School and Cheney School were all involved in deciding how it should look.

Work began on the £115,000 play area in February and all existing play equipment was replaced.

Bury Knowle play area is the 50th to be refurbished in Oxford City Council’s £2.5m play area refurbishment programme. And the city council has not stopped there.

Play areas at Cutteslowe Park, Florence Park and Pegasus Road are still to be developed.

Councillor Mark Lygo, cabinet member for sports and parks, said: “The play area has become a real hub for families to come to spend the day and enjoy themselves. I am delighted with the results.”