Christmas came early for youngsters on Helston’s Bulwark Estate when a long dreamed of play park officially opened.

A large number of children, parents and representatives of organisations that made the project a reality gathered next to the play equipment for the launch ceremony.

Deputy mayor Mike Thomas, who is chairman of the town council’s play and young people committee, together with Julia Eddy, chairman of the Friends and Residents of Bulwark Group, cut the ribbon while children watched from the equipment overhead.

This was followed by cake and drinks, with craft activities provided by the National Trust.

Thanking the residents of the estate for their support during the “long |journey” to get the park opened, Mrs Eddy said: “We look to them now and especially the children of the estate.

“This park is here for you to use and enjoy and we would like you to be able to do so for a long time to come. We are sure you will treat it with respect and look after it carefully.”

She also gave a “massive thank you” to Cornwall Neighbourhoods 4 Change, the Gwelmeneth Residents’ Association, Sanctuary Housing, community network managers Charlotte Chadwick and Maxine Hardy, Helston’s police community support officers, the National Trust, officers at Cornwall Council, the Downsland Trust, Nansloe Academy and Helston Children’s Centre, Proludic, town warden Craig Bowcutt, Helston’s Cornwall and town councillors, including Andy Wallis, Nicola Boase and Justine Hornsby, plus the town’s media, including the Helston Packet, for the support given since the beginning.

A special mention was made to both SITA – with representative Wendy Reading attending and giving a plaque to put up next to the equipment – for giving a large proportion of the £36,000 raised, together with Helston Town Council for taking over the project management, overseeing the park installation and taking over the |maintenance going forward.

Speaking after the event, Mrs Eddy said the park had been well used ever since its installation, adding: “The first day, prior to the official opening, there were so many children there – they were just so excited about it. People just seem to be loving it.”