Local school children in Lincoln have selected their preferred designs for the refurbishment of two of the city's play areas as part of the government's Playbuilder Programme.

The majority of the funding for the £140,000 scheme, which incorporates the revamp of the Nene Road and Newark Road sites, has been provided through a government grant and will be carried out in partnership between the City of Lincoln Council (CLC) and Lincolnshire County Council. Work is now set to get underway at both sites, including the installation of new climbing apparatus, swings and multi-use games areas. The scheme is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

CLC's recreation services team leader, Antony Argus, said: "The Playbuilder programme is a welcome investment in play areas in Lincoln. Play is essential for children to develop properly. It is also recognised that children playing contributes to them achieving and sustaining a healthy weight and lifestyle from the earliest stages. "The design of play areas has evolved, with risk and challenge now recognised as essential elements in play. Some of the features in the two play areas will test children and allow them to learn from risk. It's critical that children learn to assess risks in order to understand them and avoid more serious injury during their life."