An attack by vandals didn't stop the successful opening of a long-awaited new play area.

The new-look area at Saltash Road Recreation Ground, Callington, was officially opened at the weekend by portreeve Karen Gold despite being damaged by vandals the previous day.

Police say sometime between 3pm and 7.30pm last Friday someone caused several hundred pounds worth of damage to a galvanised steel safety fence. Some of the play equipment was also damaged.

Town clerk Vernon Anderson said: 'We were very upset especially with the damage to the fences as that will be expensive. The damage they caused was quite severe but it didn't stop the opening or the playability of the equipment.'

It is the second time in recent months the park has been subject to vandalism after the old equipment was damaged in June.

Despite the setback, many children came to the park to be among the first to try its new facilities after it was officially opened. The new park, which features a zip wire, BMX track and sensory play area, has been built with the help of £40,000 of funding from Cornwall Council's playbuilder scheme.

It was designed after extensive consultation with local youngsters and has a mining theme to reflect the town's mining heritage.

Police are appealing for information about the damage to the fence and play equipment. Anybody with information should contact Callington Police Station.