CHILDREN in the Cemetery Road area of York have a super refurbished play area - thanks to a local campaigning mum.

The area, situated just across the road from York Cemetery, will be officially opened by Anna Semlyen and her two-year-old daughter, Rosie, during a party there tomorrow afternoons.

Anna said the £17,000 total cost of the improvements had been met by City of York Council's Fishergate Ward Committee after she had pressed for funding to be made available.

New equipment included a log cabin where children could shelter from the sun and rain and have picnics, a climbing frame with a scramble net, a fireman's pole and "rock" climbing wall, a rocking log and a bridge.

She said her daughter and other local families had helped choose which equipment should be bought.

Safety surfacing had also been provided at considerable expense to ensure children could play safely.

The party will run from noon until 3pm, with the official opening at 2.15 pm, followed by juggling with Cosmos Jugglers. There will also be a juggling workshop, a giant bubble maker and free cake.

Anna said she had now formed and chaired a York Playground Action Group, which was aiming to improve play areas elsewhere in the city, starting with Scarcroft Green and School Lane, Fulford.

Updated: 09:44 Saturday, July 19, 2003