THE group extending West Bay Play Area has been boosted after receiving funding from Arts Council England.

The West Bay Play Area Development Group has been awarded £14,600 - which will go towards creating sensory art work.

The West Bay Play Area Development is a partnership project between Bridport Town Council and BYPAT (Bridport Young Persons Action Trust).

Arthur Woodgate from BYPAT paid thanks to West Dorset District Council’s arts development officer Jude Allen, for helping to secure the funding.

Mr Woodgate said: “Jude has been involved in both the creation of the existing area several years ago, and the new development which is now well underway.

“There are a number of people without whose help and support we would never have achieved this project, and Jude is most certainly one of these.”

Having selected a wide range of commercial sensory panels for the play area, the project’s four consultation groups now have the opportunity to produce something that will be uniquely theirs through workshops held by talented artist, Karen Hansen.

Ms Allen said: “We are really pleased to engage local artist Karen Hansen.

“She will be working with our consultation groups - Mountjoy School, the Fishermans Arms and Flood Lane Day Centres, and the Sir John Colfox Academy - to produce designs for sensory art works as part of the play area refurbishment.

“West Bay is a very special place to live and visit, and the play area deserves a bespoke approach, keeping the area distinct and unique.”

The first workshop, held at the Sir John Colfox Academy last week, involved art leaders in years 8 and 9.

Louise Burgess, head of expressive arts, said: “They created some great ideas for exciting sensory structures and they developed their skills with drills, hammers and saws along the way.”

Born in Denmark, artist Karen Hansen has lived in the south west of England since 1985, where she runs a successful business in furniture design and sculptural construction using sustainable materials.

Some of her work was recently installed as part of the entrance to the new Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Visitor Centre at Thorncombe Wood.

Cllr Maggie Ray, chairman of the steering group, said: “The town council is delighted that this very successful project has attracted even more funding which will enable us to install the sensory art works.”

“This is great news for inclusivity and great news for Bridport.”

The extended play area will be officially opened in early July.