THE summer holidays may be over, but for children in Roch the real fun is only just beginning.

After two years’ hard work by local fundraisers, a new £40,000 play area for the village has been unveiled in the grounds of Victoria Hall.

At the grand opening on Saturday (September 21), county council leader Cllr Jamie Adams was joined by families, villagers and members of the Victoria Hall Association, who were thrilled to explore the new facility.

The playground features a climbing frame, swings, balance rides and a roundabout, plus a bouncy pony, jumping pegs and a wooden play bus for younger children.

An octagonal shelter provides a space for parents to sit and chat, and a small garden - planted with assistance from pupils of Roch School – will bring colour to the play area in the warmer months.

On top of the £5,000 raised through local events, money was also contributed by ethical funding organisation the SITA Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council’s community regeneration fund and the Welsh Assembly’s Tidy Towns initiative.

Dave Smith, Chairman of Victoria Hall Association, said: “Roch community has long wished for a children's play area and at last it is being realised. It is absolutely brilliant.

He added that the community was extremely grateful to SITA Trust as the major funder for the project, and to Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Assembly, “passionate parents” and local businesses in helping raise money for a “wonderful community facility”.

Marek Gordon, CEO and Chairman of SITA Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.2 billion.”

As well as bringing the community together, the play area complements the busy calendar of events, clubs and activities offered year-round at the Victoria Hall.

To keep up to date with events in Roch, visit rochvillage.blogspot.co.uk or search Roch Village on Facebook.