Schoolchildren and families will soon be able to enjoy a restored playing field.

Work costing £95,000 is under way at the Spencer Road field in Bradford.

Once complete, it will have new football and cricket pitches, fencing, gates, seating and trees.

Schools, community groups and local residents were all involved in drawing up plans for it.

The field is near Horton Grange and Farnham primary schools, the Khidmat Community Centre and Farnham Road Children’s Centre, who will all use it.

Duncan Jacques, head teacher at Horton Grange Primary School, said: “We are delighted the work to reinstate the Spencer Road playing field to its former glory has started.

“Our children are already planning ways the field can be used to enhance their sporting and recreational needs.

“We hope the whole community continues to get behind this project to ensure one of the very few sizeable pieces of green land in central Bradford is used and enjoyed to the maximum.”

The project was organised by a partnership of groups, led by Bradford Council.

The authority said the development would provide a much-needed green space for the area.

Councillor Arshad Hussain, chairman of Bradford West area committee, said: “This scheme is good news for schools and the local community and will encourage sport and recreation in the area.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children’s services, said: “The new fields will provide space for recreation and sport and contribute to improved health and well-being in the area.

“Hundreds of families and pupils will benefit from the new open space and I am looking forward to seeing it completed.”

The money for the project came after the council successfully bid for £60,000 from WREN, a not-for-profit business which awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.

The additional £35,000 was provided by the council.

A picnic in the park celebration is planned for September 21 and anyone who wants to get involved should contact Kate Armitstead on (01274) 432597.