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Norwich City footballer Andrew Surman officially opened new play equipment on Hethersett Memorial Playing Field on January 25th as part of the village pledge day.

Canary Andrew went on to make his own pledge in the Active Norfolk Pledge Pod in Woodside School promising to help Norwich City stay in the Premier Division.

The equipment and surrounding fencing has been made possible through the hard work of the Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust and grants from Veolia Environmental Trust, the Geoffrey Watling Foundation and the South Norfolk Neighbourhood Scheme. The new equipment includes adventure climbing towers, multiplay units, a carousel, a playhouse, a playbus, a springer, trim trail and a mushroom seat.

Villagers, councillors, representatives from village groups and children from Woodside School came together to see Andrew Surman cut the ribbon to officially open the new equipment.

Guests were welcomed by Memorial Playing Field Trust Chairman and Hethersett Parish Councillor Simon Floyd who thanked the sponsors for their generosity and highlighted coming community workshops which will be held in March to discuss future use of the playing field. He also pointed out that an Old English fair will be held on the field on June 3rd as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Head teacher from Woodside Infant and Junior School Nicola Cushion praised the new equipment: "It's the first place the children head for when school finishes," she said.

Andrew Surman also praised the efforts of all those involved in providing the new equipment: "This is a great focal point for the village and I'm sure my children will be playing on the equipment for many years to come," he said.

Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold said: “It is great to hear that all the work has now been completed and the new playground is already being enjoyed by so many children.

“Playgrounds provide children with a great foundation for development. This new playground will enable children to develop their physical and social skills, while letting their imaginations run wild.”