Children off to play in the park next Tuesday can be sure of a huge surprise - because that's the day when Pudsey Bear has his picnic!

The popular BBC Children In Need mascot is turning up at Ashton Avenue Park, North Clifton, (noon, June 18) to open a series of improvements, including a new children's play area.

The North Clifton Regeneration Project has recently funded £75,000 worth of improvements to Ashton Avenue Park with the new children's play area and a facelift for the whole park.

The work also includes a newly refreshed five-a-side football pitch - marked out by local community group Community Association for Recreation and Sport - a new driveway bordered by trees and a new hardstanding for the community skip.

As part of next Tuesday's celebrations, young mums in the area's Supporting Young Families Project - until April funded by North Clifton Regeneration Project but now funded through Sure Start - are holding a picnic in the park for mums and toddlers.

Kevin Dobbin, the Clifton Handyperson - also funded by the North Clifton Regeneration Project - will also be present to display a range of child safety equipment he is able to fit in homes of children under five years of age in the North Clifton area. As part of the activities there will be a fun, family child safety quiz.

Tanya Lyon, North Clifton Regeneration Project manager, said, "The event gives us a great opportunity to unveil the new-look Ashton Avenue Park. Improvements have been funded by the North Clifton Regeneration Project following extensive consultation with local residents.

"The park provides an excellent local recreational facility for all age groups, and particularly as a place parents and children can enjoy together.

"Now that summer's here the park is the ideal place for children to use up their excess energy in the new play area, for budding David Beckhams to practice their free kicks on the five-a-side football pitch, or just somewhere to relax and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon."

Tuesday's event will be opened at noon by Pudsey Bear who will officially open Ashton Park playground as a new family-friendly area.

Ray Duffill, the community development worker for North Clifton Regeneration Project, said, "By working together local residents and agencies have provided real benefits in Clifton.

"This event will provide information on some of these benefits - and will also be lots of fun for the parents and children taking part."

Councillor Alan Jones, City of York Council's executive member for leisure and heritage, said, "The improvements to Ashton Avenue Park are an indication of the real difference the North Clifton Regeneration Project has had on the lives of people in the local community.

"The Community Association for Recreation and Sport, the Supporting Young Families Project, the Regeneration Project, and the people of Clifton have all done a brilliant job in identifying local needs, consulting with local people to develop ideas and plans and turning them into a bold and innovative reality.

"A lot of hard work has gone into the Ashton Park scheme, and I am delighted the council has been able to play its part in supporting the local community in North Clifton."

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