A new playground dubbed the "best in the borough" has opened in Barnes.

The playground at Suffolk Road Recreation Ground includes a large sandpit, trampoline, swings, see-saw and a slide as well as new entrance points and pathways.

In declaring the playground open Mayor of Richmond Ben Khosa said: “I was proud to stand in front of what is Richmond’s 63rd playground and, from what I have heard, it has been dubbed the ‘best playground in the borough’.

“I would like to thank the council’s parks team and the Friends of Suffolk Road Recreation Ground for their joint working and for delivering this wonderful new playground together."

Further improvements to the recreation ground are planned by the Friends Group including additional planting, seating and a sensory garden with a dog-free area.

Laura van der Beugel, chair of the group said: “It has been an absolute joy to see the playground filled with children and to see more people visiting this precious green space.

"We are very grateful to the community for working together to make this happen.

“We would like to thank Yvonne and Hugo from Richmond Council, Barnes town centre manager, SWLEN and all the very generous local families and schools for their donations, as well as the large financial support from the council.”