THE latest new park in the Borders swung open at the weekend.

And hundreds of children turned up to try out the latest equipment to be installed at Kelso's Shedden Park.

Susan Glendinning, winner of the Ex-Kelso Laddies Lifetime Achievement Award, officially opened the facilities.

The £248,000 play park is the sixth to be opened in the Borders in the last 18 months as part of a £5 million investment in young people's facilities.

The new equipment installed at Kelso includes a swirl roundabout with seat and back support, built in trampoline, cradle seat swings and various play panels including a sign language panel.

A central treetops towers unit also has an accessible ramp and wide slide to make it more accessible and inclusive to all abilities.

Kelso Provost Dean Weatherston said: “It was great to be a part of a wonderful day and I enjoyed taking my daughter and nieces into the new park.

“It is a great asset for the town and I am especially pleased there is equipment for children with disabilities.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the project and those involved with the opening.”

Kelso, Galashiels, Stow, Oxton, Harestanes and Coldstream have so far received new play parks.

And Peebles, Earlston, Duns, Eyemouth and Jedburgh are in line to also benefit over the next three years.

Executive spokesman for neighbourhoods, councillor Sandy Aitchison told us: "We have had some great feedback already on the new Shedden Park Play Park and we hope families in the local area will get along to try it out in the coming weeks.

“We have plans for further play parks right across the Scottish Borders as well as new pump/skate parks and fitness and youth shelters as part of the investment strategy, which is aiming to improve the right facilities in the right places.”