A new ball park has been opened for youngsters to enjoy in Hoo.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Medway, Cllr David Carr and his wife Kirstine were at Hoo Recreation Ground, in Pottery Road to unveil the new facility.

A £40,000 grant from the National Grid plus support from the Big Lottery Fund helped fund the park, but years of hard work from the community including Hoo St Werburgh Parish Council also played a part. It now means young people in the area now have their own place to play football and basketball.

Events on the day including a penalty shoot out organised by staff from Charlton Athletic FC.Pool and table tennis competitions, a bracelet making workshop and faces painting were also laid on at the village hall.

Hoo resident Shelia Mudge who helped organised the event, said: “It was a fantastic day. There was a real community feel about it.

“It has taken a lot of hard work over the years to get the ball park opened and we were pleased so many youngsters came along to enjoy the day.”

Inspector Robin Wharfe from Medway Police is in charge of neighbourhood policing in the area. He said: “We fully support developments that give young people the chance to keep active in a safe environment.

“We have worked hard with the local council to ensure the success of this project and will keep on listening to residents’ concerns."