THE former site of an old gas-holder has been given a new lease of life.

An area at Richmond Falls has been turned into a new children's play area, which has now been officially opened.

Members and officers from Richmondshire District Council joined youngsters at the park for the ceremony - and had a go on the equipment. Council chairman Michael Hesletine said: "The site has undergone a remarkable transformation and a great deal of work has been put into it.

"This play park is a wonderful facility that both children living in the town, and visitors to the area, can enjoy."

Designed by the authority's own in-house team, the £60,000 project has something for every age from toddlers to teenagers.

The council's executive director, Tony Clark, said the provision of the Falls play park reinforced the authority's commitment to providing more and better facilities for youngsters in the area.

The land was donated to the council by former owners, British Gas.