A VILLAGE playgroup is holding a reunion to celebrate the opening of its new play area.

Terrington Pre-school playgroup is hosting the event, which is open to anyone who has been involved with the playgroup over the past 46 years, on Saturday.

The play area, next to the village hall, now includes a fort with slide, a basket swing, monkey bars, scatter log climber, stepping stones, wobble bridge and newly-refurbished roundabout. There are also plans for a woodland sculpture trail.

Money for the new equipment was raised through fundraising and grants from the Howardian Hills AONB Sustainable Development Fund, Ryedale District Council, The Big Lottery Fund and the Two Ridings Community Foundation.

The event will include a chance to try out the new play equipment and there will be a display of photographs in the village hall.

Ceramic artist Carole Willis will give visitors the chance to make a ceramic tile, which will be permanently fixed to the outdoor area thanks to Terrington Arts.

Jo Atkins, chairman of Terrington Pre-school playgroup, said: “After 15 years, the old playground equipment was rotting away, so we are delighted that after lots of community fundraising, generous donations and grants, to provide a newly-refurbished, fun and safe facility for all young families to enjoy for the next decade and beyond.”

Jos Holmes, Ryedale District Council’s economy and community manager, said the play area at Terrington was just one of several projects the council had supported.

The celebrations run from 12.30pm to 3pm. Refreshments, including lunch, will be available. There is also an evening disco from 8pm. Tickets are £5 and are available from Terrington shop.