YOUNGSTERS were thrilled as a £40,000 adventure playground featuring climbing walls, a trapeze and zip wires was opened.

The Holmes park playground, the first of its kind in the North, was unveiled by the Mayor of Thirsk, Councillor Cynthia Hesmondhalgh, before being tested by about 40 youngsters.

Coun Hesmondhalgh said the playground, which was funded by developer Taylor Wimpey as part of its Millgate development, beside the Norby estate, had sparked excitement among youngsters in the area.

She said: “It will be a very well used facility, it is absolutely fantastic.”

After it was decided fencing to protect the equipment would spoil the park’s look, the firm building the playground said it would repair any vandalism to it for three years.

The wooden playground equipment has been removed from the flood-prone area and work to revamp some of the old equipment, including swings, is due to start.