CHILDREN in Newport got into the swing of things as a new park opened its gates.

The Mayor of Newport, Councillor Ken Critchley, opened the newly refurbished play area in Baneswell on Thursday.

Mouse Park's £29,500 facelift includes new play equipment, benches, litter bins, and a mouse-shaped sensory garden.

A street entertainer helped mark its opening and healthy refreshments were provided by Newport Local Health Board's nutrition project.

The revamp of the space is thanks to the ECHO community group and the council's Urban Regeneration Project.

The park's design was a real community effort, with children of St Woolos Primary School, the local youth club, Friendship Club, ECHO members, the Stow Hill Neighbourhood Committee and residents all having a say.

Stow Hill councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi said: "The play area and sensory garden are an excellent example of the close co-operation between the local community group ECHO and the council.

"We have succeeded in converting a shabby and overgrown small playground into a very attractive local facility for residents, serving play needs of children and a place for adults to sit, reflect and watch their children play."