A schoolboy’s dream of a new £100,000 playground is finally coming to fruition.

Three years ago St Christopher’s student David Reid, then 11, was so unhappy at the shabby state of the West End play area, on Blackburn Road where his siblings Jack and Megan played, that he wrote to Peter Britcliffe of the Oswaldtwistle Area Council to complain.

After years of meetings, fund raising and campaigning through leaflet drops and social networking, the dream has now become a reality.

The new play area, which has attracted funding from the Lancashire Environmental Fund, Oswaldtwistle Area Council, Newground Together and the Windfall Fund among others, will feature new play equipment chosen by local children.

David, now 14, is delighted to see his vision finally taking shape. He said: “It’s been a long road, but it’s great to see work finally starting. The old play area was really no good for anyone so this new playground is going to be fantastic. I’m really pleased.”

Peter Jordan, Director at Newground Together, added: “We’re always looking to engage with our communities and this was a perfect project for us to get involved in. We’ve worked with local schools to design the play equipment and area, and we’ll also be working with them to plant flowers and trees next year. It’s going to be a real boost to the area and David should be very proud as to what he’s achieved for his community.”

Coun Ken Moss, Hyndburn council’s cabinet member for Leisure, said: “The new play area at West End, Oswaldtwistle will provide a much needed facility for young children of the area. “There is an interesting collection of modern play equipment which will provide a lot of enjoyment for local children.”

Oswaldtwistle Councillor Peter Britcliffe said: “I think the new play area at West End is fantastic. It is great for the area and will be very popular with local children.”