CHESTER City Council is celebrating after scooping £241,000 for a children’s play programme.

The Big Lottery Award will be spread over three years to fund four high quality play facilities around the district which benefit more than 15,000 children.

TheŠcity council’s Big Play Portfolio, which secured the exact amount of funding that it bid for,Šwill be used to install play equipment; encourage children to learn woodland crafts by the construction of an undercover barn-like structure in which children can carry outŠ craft sessions and other playground activities; extend the community use of school play facilities at six schools; provide play structures and improveŠaccess to facilities for disabled children and young people

Two facilities already earmarked for the funding injections are Blacon Adventure Playground Woodland Play project and the Sandy Lane Play Project.

City council executive member for culture and community, councillor Eric Plenderleath, said: “I am delighted that the city council bid to the Big Lottery has been successful.

“Over the next three years we shall be able to provide both new and improved outdoor play facilities right across the district.”

Jude Anderson, North West Regional Manager for Play England, said: “We are delighted that Chester has been successful in securing funding for children's play from the Big Lottery Fund to ensure that local children and young people can access high quality, inclusive play opportunities.”