A YORK resident has spoken of how moved she has been to see the local playground she played in as a child transformed by kind-hearted volunteers.

Yesterday, the finishing touches were made to the adventure playground at Bell Farm, which has seen 200 volunteers work flat out for three days as part of the York Cares Big Community Challenge to make it more accessible to families with small children.

Among other changes the new-look playground now has a new seating area, a willow den, mosaics, a shelter, scooter ramp and a bug hotel.

It was officially opened last night and a celebration was held.

Sarah Laverack, 39, of Kirkham Avenue, said she had nearly been brought to tears as she witnessed the changes taking place.

She said: “It has been absolutely fantastic. The way people have come together is brilliant and what a change it will make round here. Just to have a seating area for the mums to sit down and have a chat is good.

“I have been coming here since I was a child, my nanna comes here. I have brought my kids here and I hope to bring my grandkids.

“It’s amazing how people have come from everywhere and have all mucked in. I have been brought to tears nearly on a couple of occasions.”

Teams of volunteers have included school children from Yearsley Grove Primary School and Huntington School, employers from across the city and volunteers from the local community.

Yesterday teams from York Marriott, East Coast, Northern Rail, DE Ford, Nestle PTC and York Medical School all helped with the project.

Colin Swanston, of York Marriott, said: “We have really enjoyed it. We’ve all worked well together and had the chance to catch up. It’s been a good day.”

York Cares thanked Hanson Concrete and MKM building supplies for their help in building the scooter ramp.

York Cares is an employee-volunteering charity committed to making the city a better place. If you are a York employer or employee and interested in finding out more phone 01904 323482, email info@yorkcares.co.uk or visit yorkcares.co.uk