The ribbon is cut to declare the new play area open

A new play area for children in a village on the edge of Preston has opened a year after the man who made it possible sadly passed away.

Joe Birkby took action in 2007 after a fire destroyed a wooden tower at Goosnargh Green play area.

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It left the children of the village with limited play equipment so Mr Birkby and others set up a Friends of Whittingham and Goosnargh Green to raise money for a refurb.

Some new play equipment was installed in 2011 but Mr Birkby and the volunteers continued to raise funds for a full play area.

Mr Birkby passed away in May last year and the friends group bought a bench in his memory which now sits within the green.

Volunteers and villagers gather to remember Mr Birbky

Cabinet member for community and environment, councillor Robert Boswell, said: “It was a huge honour to be invited to this opening ceremony. The play area looks great and it is well used by the local children.

“The news of Joe Birkby was very sad, he put a lot of time and effort into the park project and local area. I had come across Joe in recent years in his work with Preston Bee Keepers and I can testify first hand to his commitment to bee-keeping. I think the tribute that has been given to him is very fitting and it is located in a place that meant a lot to him, his family and many other local families too.”

The toddler play area has cradle swings, a basket swing, a seesaw, a roundabout, multi-unit with slide and a spinner.

Are your children using the play area? Did you know Mr Birkby? Let us know in the comments below