LITTLE landlubbers enjoyed a new pirate ship at the Winton Road play park in Stratton yesterday.

Amy Robson’s son Finn was one of the first youngsters to try it out.

Amy said: “He loves pirate ships so he’s really enjoying playing on this.

“It will be lovely for everyone in the area who has young children.”

Oliver Saunders, senior open spaces officer for Stratton Parish Council, said: “The ship replaced an old piece of play equipment that was supposed to be a train but was more like a timber platform and a tube.

“That had no play value it all, this is much better.

“This new ship, plus the 22 square metres of new safety surfacing, cost £10,500, and it was paid for with money from local developer contributions.

“Housing development companies gave part of their money to local authorities and most of that must be spent on outdoor facilities.

“Play equipment is quite expensive because of the rigorous testing that each part of it goes through.

“We have more contributions to spend, so we might expand the play park in a couple of years.”