A NEW Spitfire-inspired playground was officially opened by Worcester Mayor Jabbar Riaz on Saturday.

Bilford Road play area received a makeover reflecting Perdiswell Park’s former usage as a temporary aerodrome during World War II.

The centre piece is an elaborate piece of climbing equipment, designed to look like a Spitfire.

Speaking on the opening, Cllr Riaz said: “It is brilliant - a really good investment in local history. I hope it will give children many hours of enjoyment.”

Anna Kling, who lives opposite, was at the park with her children Issy, eight, and Will, seven.

She said: “We have been up here most days since it opened. It is very different to the old park. One thing I will say is the lack of seating for parents.”

Vanessa Farr, who also lives nearby, attended the opening with her children Freddie, six, and Zach, three.

She said: “It is slotting in with the sports centre very well.”

The playground revamp is part of a £220,000 investment by the city council. The former equipment had reached the end of its natural life.