A POPULAR children's play area at Ruardean Hill Recreation Ground has been given a new coat of paint thanks to volunteers from The Midcounties Co-operative.

The Co-op provided money for special paint and volunteers from its Cinderford store used it to brighten up the play equipment.

Sue Thomas, a cash office supervisor at the store, said: "It is a lovely place and we were happy to get involved. We will also be back to paint the fence around the play area.  Our volunteer challenges are a way of both helping the community and getting together to build on our team skills and they're fun too."

Barbara Wright, treasurer of the Ruardean Hill play area, said: "We really appreciate Midcounties' support. The play area is owned, funded and run by the community and is extremely well used by local children and families.

"The Cinderford store team did a great job painting the play equipment and we'll be delighted to see them back to paint the fence. We are on the highest point of the Forest of Dean and the fence is not only there for the children's safety, it also keeps out wild boar, deer and badgers."