THE Friends of Edgar’s Field Park, councillors and Handbridge residents have celebrated the 120th anniversary of the official opening of Edgar’s Field.

A cherry tree was planted in the park to mark the occasion with the ceremony attended by ward councillor Razia Daniels.

Edgar’s Field was given in trust to Chester Corporation as a public park in 1892 by Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, the First Duke of Westminster, for the enjoyment of the residents of Handbridge but also the inhabitants of Chester generally.

It was officially opened on April 18 in that year by the then Mayor of Chester, Alderman Charles Brown, and has been used by generations of Handbridge residents since.

Cllr Razia Daniels said: “Edgar’s Field has been a very important asset to Handbridge for 120 years now and was much improved by the renovations in 2010. This is underlined by the large number of adults and children who use the park every day.”

Chairman of the Friends of Edgar’s Field Park, Steve Rogers, said: “The generous gift of Edgar’s Field to the community by the First Duke of Westminster all those years ago, is still appreciated by Handbridge residents who continue to get a huge benefit from this important green space.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council is participating in the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, a national scheme operated by Fields in Trust.

The aim is to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces in communities all across the country, as a permanent living legacy of the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics and Paralympics.

Subject to any legal constraints, Edgar’s Field has now been selected by the council’s Executive to be dedicated as a QEII Field, adding to the status and protection of the park.

Cllr Neil Sullivan added: “I’m delighted that Edgar’s Field has been dedicated as a Queen Elizabeth ll Field.

“It is an excellent way to recognise the park’s 120 years of service to the Handbridge community.”