A groundbreaking play area which welcomes people of all ages and abilities has received national recognition.

Supporters of West Bay Play Area celebrated its achievement at an event which included the unveiling of official signage declaring the playground as 'inclusive.'

The coveted PiPA award is presented to play areas that have successfully combined facilities for both the able-bodied and those with a disability. Presented by Inclusive Play, West Bay is now one of 16 such sites in Great Britain and the second in the south west.

Bridport mayor, Barry Irvine, was joined by representatives of Mountjoy School and local day centres, all of whom had contributed to the success of the play area through their involvement in consultation workshops.

Speakers at the event included the mayor, town surveyor Daryl Chambers and Arthur Woodgate representing the charity BYPAT (Bridport Young Persons’ Action Trust).

BYPAT trustees Maggie and Martin Ray, long-standing members of the play area steering group, were also in attendance.

Inclusive Play’s business manager, Joanne Talbot, said: "It really is a fantastic inclusive playground and an excellent day out. The community involvement with BYPAT is a fantastic story.”

Mr Chambers agreed, highlighting the project as the 'best example' he could think of of so many people in the community working together to achieve a common goal.

The majority of funding support for the play area came from within the county, such as the town and district councils and the steering group’s Ian Bennett, from Dorset County Council’s Short Break Capital Programme, who has ensured funding is in place for activities for those with a disability and/or learning challenge.

The 2012 Olympic Health and Wellbeing Legacy Fund also contributed a substantial sum and, more locally, important donations were received from the Round Table, Lions Club, MENCAP, Bridport charities, Denhay and Fowler Trading Estates.

Jude Allen, WDDC’s arts development officer and member of the steering group, also helped to secure funding from Arts Council England to create bespoke sensory equipment.

All who had contributed to the play area's success in some way, including the Sir John Colfox Academy, were warmly thanked for helping to achieve 'something very special' for Bridport.

The late Tess Hawley, parent representative on the steering group, was also remembered.