New play equipment has been bought for The Manor Centre in Whittlesey thanks to funding given by the town’s Co-op store.

Last year, shoppers nominated the Whittlesey and District Lions Club as one the charities to received money from The Co-op Community Fund.

A total of £2,500 was raised from the sale of plastic bags and 1 per cent of customer spending. It was originally destined to be spent on a sandpit, but was later ruled out.

After the Fenland District Council decided to scrap the sandpit due to “hygiene concerns” the idea was put forward to buy more equipment for The Manor Centre.

A new slide and twin rocker were purchased and installed in the children’s play area at a cost of around £4,200.

The Lions club donated £1,000 towards the project and the remainder was given by Fenland District Council.

The new equipment is now open and ready to be enjoyed at the town’s leisure centre. Club president, Steve Palmer, has already been down to examine the work.