The children's favourite galleon at Beachfields's sandpit in Sheerness has sunk without trace and been replaced by a £50,000 castle.

The work was completed on Monday ahead of schedule and just in time for the half-term holiday. Swale council wanted to make sure it was ready for the start of the Island's tourist season at Easter.

The metal ship and climbing frame had kept boys and girls amused for 33 years.

The new castle has a yellow "wetpour" safety surface to match the surrounding sand and which allows wheelchair access to the play area for the first time.

A council spokesman said: "The new play equipment has been selected to be as inclusive as possible."

The brightly coloured climbing frame stands six metres (18ft) tall and has wide, easy access stairs to let carers access it to help children. It boasts a climbing net, two slides, a treasure chest and sliding pole.

The Kompan castle design won more than 75% of votes during a consultation at a nearby primary school.

Cllr David Simmons, cabinet member for environment and rural affairs, said: "The galleon had served children well over the past years but it was time for the area to have a facelift. The new castle will provide a great, inclusive area for young people to enjoy.”

Brian Spoor, chairman of the Sheerness Town Team, said: "It's great Swale council has spent this money in Sheerness but it's a shame to have lost the galleon. It summed up Sheppey's relationships with the sea. I would have thought a castle would have been better in Queenborough."

* Have your children tried it yet? What do you think?