Work is to start on a village's £50,000 state-of-the-art play area.

Children and members of a community group have been involved in picking their preferred scheme for Cottingley recreation ground.

The project follows calls from residents and Cottingley Community Association who are increasingly concerned about vandalism and the lack of facilities in the village.

The refurbishment has been designed by Bradford Council's parks and landscape service. It aims to provide modern facilities for youngsters aged under 11.

There will be a tower and slide, with a rope climb and rope ladder along with traditional swings, cradle swings and a mini-slide for toddlers.

The stainless steel equipment will be vandal-proof and the swings will have special features making it impossible for them to be thrown over the top bar and made unusable.

New seating and signs will be installed in the play area, which will replace the existing one and take up a large space in the recreation ground.

Councillor Simon Cooke, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "Cottingley's playground is going to be much more modern and adventurous now that it is getting a revamp.

"Getting the local community and, particularly, the youngsters involved in choosing the play equipment should boost its popularity."

Funding has been provided by developers working in the area and the Council.

David Talbot, head of the Council's parks and landscape service, said the area would give younger children more facilities following the building of a skate park in the village last year.

"We are already providing the teenagers in the village with a skateboard area and games area and this playground now means that younger children are catered for too," he said. "Hopefully, we are keeping all the different age groups happy."

Knee rails and bollards have been erected to restrict access so the area is kept private for the youngsters.

Howard Clough, of Cottingley Community Association, said: "They are totally revamping the children's play area which has got to be a good thing because it is run down.

"It will be a real improvement and, hopefully, motorcycles and other vehicles will not be able to enter the area."

Litter bins will also be installed and it is also hoped youngsters will plant trees and bulbs along the footpaths.

Work on the revamp will start on Monday.