Pouring rain failed to dampen spirits at an opening ceremony for the £80,000 natural children’s play area in Northcliffe Park, Shipley, yesterday.

Pupils at Shipley Church of England School attended a cake-cutting opening ceremony, moved into the school because of the rain.

A ribbon-cutting event was then held at the play area.

The play area is the result of months of fundraising by Friends of Northcliffe and a £43,000 grant from Waste Recycling Environmental.