New playgrounds have been opened and existing ones refurbished in a bid to get youngsters back outside.

The new areas have been built at Warwick Place in Gravesend, and Camer Park in Meopham.

Work is also currently finishing at King's Farm recreation space.

Play areas at Medhurst Gardens, Fountain Walk, Park Place, and Windmill Hill are also being refurbished as part of a project by Gravesham council.

Unveiling the new site at Windmill Hill, leader of the council Cllr John Burden said: "Encouraging our youngest residents to get out in the fresh air, let off steam and exercise is really important.

"We are very aware of the health inequalities between those who live in some our more deprived areas and those who are lucky enough to live in some of the more rural parts of the borough, where the opportunities to spend time enjoying themselves outside are far greater.

"That is why we have made a considerable investment in our play areas to encourage children to get out and to learn to enjoy exercise, a habit we hope they will get hooked on and continue to follow as they get older."

As part of the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting programme to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this year, a sensory area has been created in Woodlands Park.

It features wooden vandalism-resistant play equipment, natural play areas, insect hotels and musical equipment and extensive bug-friendly planting. Work is due to finish there later this month.

Cllr Burden added that the play areas were just a small part of encouraging healthier living across Gravesham.

He said: "These new and improved play areas are just the start and we will be refurbishing other play areas across the borough in the coming months. This is just a small step on the road to a healthier borough, and we hope generations of young people will get years of enjoyment from them."

The council recently opened its latest development of council-owned homes at Bishop’s Court which includes a family-friendly community space and a play area.