WORK will start shortly to create a state-of-the art play area for Embsay-with-Eastby.

It will provide village youngsters with the very latest equipment.

The parish council has secured a £25,000 grant from Yorventure, which distributes grants to community and environmental projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The playground was originally opened in the 1980s and was financed entirely by public subscriptions and the efforts of village mums.

Between them they collected more than £15,000 to provide one of the most used and important facilities in the village.

It is hoped the new facility will provide somewhere where the children can be adventurous, enjoy themselves and learn to equate exercise with fun.

Work will begin shortly and the playground will be closed for around three weeks while it takes place.