A popular play park is set to close for a month as exciting refurbishment works are carried out.

A “first of its kind” ride and a zipline are among the new features coming to Portswood Rec.

The play area will close for four weeks from Monday, April 7 for the works to get underway.

Councillor John Savage, who represents Portswood, said: “I’m really pleased that the new park is being built at Portswood Rec.

"Everyone involved has worked really hard to make this happen and I know it will make a lot of children and families happy for many years to come.”

Funded by Southampton City Council and the Friends of Portswood Rec group, a brand new play park will take shape.

It will feature a multi-unit with swings, a tipi, zipline and the ‘cliff-rider’, a first of its kind for Southampton, according to the council.

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A spokesperson for the council said: “The new play park is being funded by Southampton City Council and the Friends of Portswood Rec group, with help from the fundraising efforts of the children at Portswood Primary school.

“Thanks to this collaboration, more play equipment can be installed.

“During the closure, the main recreational area will still be accessible via Kitchener Road and Brickfield Road.

“Works are due to be complete at the end of April, with a launch event to be announced.”

Friends of Portswood Rec raised just over £11,000, of which £850 was raised by Portswood Primary School.

Their efforts followed the removal of two large climbing frames after a safety inspection from the council.