A BIG cash hand-out is to pay for a major revamp of a children's playground in Wareham.

Viridor Credits, the charitable arm of the firm that runs the Tatchells landfill site, has donated the entire £36,230 cost of improving the play area at Mistover Road.

The cash will help Safe and Sound Playgrounds to build a new area that will include a ship - made completely from recycled plastic - a multi-use play unit, swings, a see-saw and slides.

Viridor Credits distributes the landfill tax credits that Viridor Waste Management makes available to support environmental, conservation and community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Wareham town clerk Rod Curtis, who applied for the grant, said: "We're so grateful to Viridor Credits for making this upgrade possible. The new play-ground is guaranteed to provide many hours of fun."

The playground will be surfaced with recycled rubber and the design will ensure hazards like gaps that can trap fingers are non-existent.

Anti-vandalism measures are also part of the design.

Ian Orr, director of Safe and Sound Playgrounds, said: "We're proud to have been selected to work on the project and are sure the play area will provide regular and frequent fun for a new generation of children."

It is hoped the playground will be ready by the end of the year and an official opening is planned.

Mistover Road is the second Wareham play area to receive a boost from Viridor. Last year, Hauses Field in Northmoor was given 70 per cent of the £120,000 needed for an upgrade by the organisation.