The rain lashed down and the wind whipped round, but nothing could deter schoolchildren from flocking to celebrate the launch of The Toddlers' Play Area in Silsden Park on Friday.

The play area project has been designed and led by Silsden Youth Council on behalf of younger primary school children.

The youth council enlisted the help of sponsors, community leaders and Bradford Council's parks and landscapes team to create the climbing frame and swings.

Silsden town councillor Pat Bottomley, chairman of the youth council, said the teenage councillors even organised a Powerpoint presentation telling the story of the play area's progression.

Speaking about the launch day, she said: "The word launch' took on a new meaning. The weather was absolutely awful and we needed a boat! But happily everyone turned up; 21 children from Aire View School - the play area was designed for this age range - and four pupils represented Hothfield School with a view to planning the next stage, which will be for children over the age of seven.

"The previous play area surface was wood-chip, which badly needed changing to a safer surface, and the equipment has also been replaced, making a bright, spacious and safe place for our younger children to enjoy."

Coun Bottomley said members from all corners of the community had contributed to the creation of the play area.

"Our community PC brought the equipment to run the presentation and our PCSO led the way through the rain to the play area, which was opened by our mayor, Coun Liz Trainor," she said.

The Toddler's Play Area cost £55,000, £35,000 of which was donated by Yorventure, an environmental body which distributes grants to community projects. The rest came from Silsden Town Council, local housing developers and two village residents.