PARENTS have welcomed a new playground that gives them a break while shopping in the town centre.

Families flocked to the fenced-off play area in Octagon Court, in front of Lever Chambers Health Centre, after it was opened by Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris yesterday.

Amy Hollinworth, whose son Kean Eveson, aged four, was eagerly clambering over the equipment, said: "It's fantastic. It gives us a bit of a rest when you're going round the shops."

Ifrasim Ahmed, who brought son Kiyaan Ahmed, aged three, to have a go, said: "It's something we have been waiting for for a long time.

"We need something for the kids to have a rest and to tire them out in order for us to get all our shopping done."

Children get to use a multi-use play structure with climbing frames and a slide as well as two elephant-shaped rockers.

It has cost £25,000 and has taken since January to build.

Three brightly-coloured elephant figures called Ellie, Elner and Mr Jackbow, which previously stood in Newport Street, have been given a new home next to the play area while the square has been repaved in sandstone and new LED lamp posts installed.

Cllr Morris said: "I’m extremely pleased to be opening this great new elephant-themed play area, which reflects the town’s long history and association with elephants throughout the years.

"We’re also happy that it will be a new home for some of our existing elephants from around the town.

"We hope that parents will be able to take a break from shopping, whilst their children have fun playing on the new play area and learn about the town’s connections with these enormous animals."

Two cast iron elephants which were fixed to the gateposts of the Bolton Bleachworks until 1977 and then topped off a charity canopy in Victoria Square have been placed on top of the adjacent retail units surrounding the NCP car park.