Former Norwich City football star Jeremy Goss was joined by excited children as he tried out equipment at New Buckenham's newly-refurbished play area. The village held a party on Sunday to celebrate the completion of the project.

Former Norwich City football star Jeremy Goss was joined by excited children as he tried out equipment at New Buckenham's newly-refurbished play area.

The village held a party on Sunday to celebrate the completion of the project.

Mr Goss cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, ably assisted by two of the youngsters, and there was a rush to be first to enjoy the facilities.

'As soon as they had opened the gates the toddlers flooded in,' said Jeanie Anderson, of the New Buckeneer Play Project team.

'It went extremely well and we had a fantastic party with about 200 people attending.'

Everyone in the village had been invited, as well as funding organisations and supporters.

During the afternoon, a tree was planted in memory of one of Lindsay Stevenson, of the play project team, who sadly died from cancer a few months ago.

The group had been fundraising since April 2007 - their aim being to provide the village with an exciting and stimulating play space that all youngsters can enjoy. Grants were awarded by The Big Lottery Fund through its community spaces programme, Wren, Breckland Council, and Awards for All, with other monies raised through local events and donations.