Youngsters are over the moon with their new playground, which has replaced old run-down play equipment closed off for years because of safety fears.

The new playground which has a tunnel, timber logs and a basket swing along set alongside bee-friendly plants in the grounds of St John’s Church in Pitfield Street, Hoxton, is the result of years of planning and fundraising led by environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London with the church.

Rev Graham Hunter said, “After four years in the planning and the development it’s wonderful to finally be opening this new community playground. Hoxton has some of the lowest proportions of domestic green space anywhere in London, so our shared open spaces are especially important.”