A NEW pirate ship play park enjoyed its grand opening as residents flocked to enjoy fun a games on the site.

Bank holiday Monday saw the opening of Mayland Parish Council’s new pirate shop and lighthouse.

Parents, grandparents, and carers turned up with their children for the event which marked the replacement and upgrade of the old galleon pirate playground ship.

Parish council chair Linda Haywood gave the opening speech, while Debbie Down – as one of the pirates – cut the bunting with her sword to welcome the children on board.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Interactive - The adults join in with the fun at the opening eventInteractive - The adults join in with the fun at the opening event (Image: Mayland Parish Council)

A spokesman from Mayland Parish Council said: “It was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves playing games and winning prizes.

“We had lots of feedback from everyone attending saying how nice the pirate ship is and how it has lots of sensory attachments making it fun for all.”

The new bespoke pirate ship and lighthouse are in the same area as the existing pirate ship.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Impressive - the new Galleon ship Impressive - the new Galleon ship (Image: Mayland Parish Council)

The new structure has a maximum width of 19.5 metres, a maximum depth of 17.6 metres, and a maximum height, measured to the top of the mast, of 6.6 metres – taller than the previous galleon ship.

The other main difference is the addition of the playground lighthouse which was not a feature in the previous playground attraction.

To look more like the sea “all year round”, a sun, clouds and seagulls have also been included.