Play area provides memorial to teenager

THE opening of a village’s first children’s play area has led to tributes for a teenager who campaigned for the safe recreation space before his life was cut tragically short by cancer.

Villagers said it was a dream came true in Ingleby Arncliffe, near Northallerton, when the first children’s play area was officially opened.

It was also a poignant moment for one family whose teenage son, Andrew Phillips, campaigned for the safe play space in the village but died of cancer before work on the field had commenced.

A plaque to his memory is displayed at the entrance.

Local children were involved in designing their play area from the very beginning.

County Councillor Caroline Patmore, North Yorkshire’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The county council has strongly supported the development of this play area.

“It is through play that children learn about the world, that they develop social skills, language, investigate and discover, and develop self-esteem.”

“Through new play spaces such as this one at Ingleby Arncliffe we hope to give them back the freedom of exploration with challenges and risk-taking and contact with the natural world.”

A 2,000 grant from the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation started off the project. Another 24,995 came from the government Playbuilder scheme, administered by the County Council, and 9,900 from lottery money.

Vera Rudd, a former postmistress who was born in the village, cut the opening ribbon.

Coun Hazel Warhurst said: “The tireless efforts of a small group of committed and enthusiastic villagers, together with support from the Parish Council, has turned a young man’s dream of a safe place to play, into a reality.”