Launching a football high into the overcast sky, youngster Jack Challen officially opened a new multi-use games area in a West Norfolk village today.

The seven-year-old was one of 140 schoolchildren to take part in an action-packed day of sport to celebrate the opening of the new play park in Marham.

He said: 'I think it looks really good. I will be coming here lots to play football with my friends.'

Pupils from Marham Junior, Marham Infant and St Martin at Shouldham schools tried out the new play area by playing Kwik Cricket, football, hockey and basketball.

Tina Hawkins, Marham parish councillor, was delighted to see the children enjoying the new facility.

The parish council's deputy chairman has been the driving force behind securing the play area since the idea was first mooted four and half years ago.

She said: 'It's just amazing to see it all up and running and being used.

'The original play park was condemned 10 years ago and removed so there was nothing for children here. I think it's important for the community to have a place where people can meet and for their children to play.'

She added: 'The children have loved it so much that we are going to make this an annual event.'

The parish council received grants of �50,000 from WREN, �9,000 from Awards for All and �5,500 from the Norfolk Foundation to put towards the MUGA.

The council also used the money to install a trim trail, pirate ship, and picnic tables close to the MUGA.