YOUNGSTERS at Awbridge can now burn off excess energy on the village’s latest play equipment.

And it’s all thanks to the parish council which has installed two new pieces of outdoor play equipment at the village hall.

Explaining that the £8,000 it cost to provide a children’s roundabout and mini-trampoline, came from developers behind new homes in the village, parish councillor Pam Harvey said youngsters were given a say on what equipment was provided.

Christmas came early for them and they are “jumping for joy” said Pam. “To help make the right choices in spending the money, local children had a say in how they would like to see the playground improved,” said Pam, adding: “We met with a group of children from Awbridge Primary School to get their ideas, and also with the mums from the Ark Toddler Group which meets in the Village Hall.”

Schoolchildren chose a roundabout and a sunken mini-trampoline.

Winchester-based Vitaplay installed the equipment along with a specialised soft surface in the play area and new fencing.

Two worn out seats on the swings were also replaced.

Pam concluded: “In spite of winter weather the new equipment has already had a lot of use and the children of Awbridge will be hoping for some bright cold days so that they can visit their own special place in the village.”