A MUCH-needed open space for an Edmonton pre-school has been unveiled.

The playground at Edmonton Baptist Church pre-school received a blessing from lead minister Joe Kapolyo at a special opening ceremony this afternoon.

The space was almost not built at all after part of the funding from the Government was cut during last year's spending review.

The pre-school received a reduced grant of £90,000, but the church, in Monmouth Road, stepped in to provide the rest of the £145,000 needed to complete the playground.

Ruth Watkins, manager of the pre-school, said: “With this space, we are able to do different activities and different parts of the curriculum.

“Some of the children here don't have access to a garden or open spaces so this is great for us and really expands what we can do for the children.”

Mayor of Enfield Councillor Christiana During helped to officially open the playground, and said: “I am extremely proud to be here to witness our children being looked after at this early age.

“I can see that this service for the children is important, and I am very pleased to see the achievement of setting up this pre-school outside space which is so needed in our community.”

The playground has been built during the last year on a grass verge on the edge of the church land, providing a safe area for the children to play and to be taught.

Children aged between two and five attend the pre-school each week, and some of them completed today's ceremony by singing songs they had prepared for the gathered congregation of parents, parishioners, and trustees at the church.

John Knightley, a deacon for the church, added: “When were heard of the opportunity for funding we were supportive because we knew it was a good opportunity to bring this area into use and get the best out of it.

“The pre-school is part of the church organisation and part of church life and we appreciate all the efforts of Ruth and her team in making this possible.”