A ZIP wire and several other new features are planned for Queens Park's play area as part of a £100,000 project.

The current playground equipment is to be refurbished together and new additions will include a heritage train feature and fitness stations, while extra fundraising has helped to pay for a zip wire for older children to play on.

The investment comes after Cheshire East Council successfully applied for a grant from The Landfill Communities Fund for the improvements which have been guided by public research undertaken by the Friends of Queens Park support group.

The play area was first improved as part of the park restoration that was initially financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2010.

Visitor numbers have risen sharply during the lockdown by 163 per cent and the council says that "has brought forward the need for the play area to be refreshed and reinvigorated and to provide even better facilities for the park's numerous visitors".

Cllr Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council's environment and communities committee, said: "Queens Park enjoys huge numbers of visitors, which means that playground equipment sometimes requires refurbishment and replacement.

"We're really pleased to be adding new features, which will enhance people's enjoyment of Queens Park."

To minimise disruption during the school summer break the project is due to get underway later in the year.

Chairman of Friends of Queens Park Derek Morgan said: "We are so pleased to hear about the funding for this project which the Friends have supported.

"We also raised additional funds to add a much-requested zip wire for the older children, who enjoy visiting Queens Park too.

"We are so very proud of our lovely park and this refurbishment will no doubt provide much pleasure for many of our young users and families for many years to come."