The futuristic play area at Firbeck Avenue Recreation Ground was opened on Bank Holiday Monday and was immediately bombarded by dozens of eager villagers.

”It’s absolutely superb,” said Philip Shackley, chairman of the Laughton Recreation Ground Development Committee which raised £90,000 for the new area.

”It was really crowded at the launch with loads of kids, parents and grandparents wanting to come and have a look.”

”People loved it, I don’t think anyone expected it to be as good as it is. We had some really good comments about it too.”

The playground features a range of equipment made by a Scandanavian company which intends to provide a facility like no other village in Rotherham.

The committee, which has been working towards having the playground built since 2004, applied for funding from a variety of organisations across the borough and were awarded £45,000 from Laughton Parish Council, £25,000 from WREN and £11,000 from Rotherham Council’s Big Lottery fund.

Samantha Brookes, secretary for the committee says her two daughters love the new playground.

”They think it’s fantastic,” said Samantha, whose daughters are four and 10 years-old.

”We’ve been up there almost everyday since it opened - they can’t get enough of it!”

”We’ve had grandparents having a go on the slides and all sorts so hopefully everyone in the village will get some enjoyment from it.”

Children were given the opportunity to enter a competition to win the chance to cut the ribbon to officially open the playground and to have their name on the plaque on the gate.

Jack Sadler, 13, of Laughton was chosen as the winner by Pc Shaun Rhodes who came to support the grand opening.

”Jack was delighted,” said Samantha.

”He was standing right next to Shaun when he chose his name and he couldn’t believe it.”