IT was a stormy day but hundreds of villagers gathered at the West Dean Centre in Bream to join the celebrations for the official opening of the community's new play park.

The honour of cutting the ribbon fell to Ellie-Mae Tyrrell, 5, who was the Bream School colouring competition winner. Children then rushed to try out the equipment for the first time.

Bream Band entertained the crowds who turned up to enjoy the play park and free attractions laid on for the event.

Adventurous youngsters scaled a five-metre rock climbing wall while the wind whistled around them. Inside, children enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting, a Twinkles music show and arts and crafts activities.

Stalls were manned by Bream Brownies and Rainbows, Bream Gardening Society, Bream Rugby Club Juniors, Bream Library Project, the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir and Forest of Dean Beekeepers.

Refreshments were provided by members of Bream Ladies' Circle, Bream Friendship Group, parents of children at Bream School and Bream Early Learners. A celebration cake depicting the play park and some of Bream's landmarks, made by Sonja Hitchcock, was also enjoyed by all.

"We were so pleased with such a fantastic turn out and would like to thank everyone that came along to support us," said Kath Lee from the Bream Early Learners Play Park Committee.

Bream Early Learners and West Dean Parish Council said they would also like to thank everyone who donated their time and effort to making the event such a success.

The play park has been built with a £50,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Spaces programme, and is for children aged up to 11 years old.

•A fantastic firework display will be taking place in Bream over the coming four-day Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Raffle tickets will be sold in Bream to raise funds for this. Anyone who would like to help with selling tickets, or who would like to buy tickets or make a financial contribution towards the display, is asked to contact the West Dean Parish Office on 564484 or inquire at the Rising Sun in Bream.