A playground which has been in the planning for two years has been unveiled in a Suffolk village with a Paralympic gold medallist opening it.

Darsham, near Yoxford, has welcomed a new chapter in community recreation with the opening of the much-anticipated Darsham Playground project.

After two years of planning and collaboration, the village hall development has changed the landscape into a space for children, families and community gatherings.

Families using the new facilitiesFamilies using the new facilities (Image: Submitted) Families using the new facilitiesFamilies using the new facilities (Image: Submitted)

The vision was to create a space that caters to the needs of the community in Darsham.

Thanks to a generous investment of £66,000 from the Cheyney Green development and East Suffolk Council, the playground has been able to progress to the point that it is now open.

The community was also involved in the planning process, with a questionnaire distributed to gather feedback from residents.

Children enjoying the new playgroundChildren enjoying the new playground (Image: Submitted) Lots of people attended the opening of the village playgroundLots of people attended the opening of the village playground (Image: Submitted)

The Village Hall committee said the responses were "overwhelmingly positive, with many residents expressing excitement about the potential of the community space".

An open day was also held to gauge community thoughts.

The playground officially opened on October 13, and it was opened by Paralympic world record gold medallist Will Ellard.

the co-chair of the Darsham Village Hall Committee, Heather Ballantinethe co-chair of the Darsham Village Hall Committee, Heather Ballantine (Image: Submitted) Will Ellard speaking to some of the children at the openingWill Ellard speaking to some of the children at the opening (Image: Submitted)

At the Paris Paralympics this summer, the Beccles-born swimmer won two golds and one silver, claiming gold in the 200m freestyle and the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.

The Village Hall committee said: "His involvement in the opening ceremony symbolizes the importance of inclusivity and representation in our community.

People enjoying the new playgroundPeople enjoying the new playground (Image: Submitted) Will Ellard opened the playgroundWill Ellard opened the playground (Image: Submitted)

"His presence will inspire children and families alike, reinforcing the idea that everyone can achieve greatness, regardless of their circumstances."

They also said that going forward, they hoped the Darsham Playground will create an environment that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

Some of the new facilitiesSome of the new facilities (Image: Submitted) Some of the new facilitiesSome of the new facilities (Image: Submitted)