CHILDREN dressed as pirates to celebrate the opening of a new play area in Hereford.

More than 300 people attended the 'pirates day' at Aylestone Park, which included a best dressed pirate competition, a treasure hunt, face painting and a penalty shoot-out that was supervised by Hereford United's mascot Edgar.

The new play area has swings, a pirate ship and a canon and was opened by the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Phil Edwards.

The opening follows hard work from the council, contractors and volunteers, which included close consultation with the community.

Martin Danks, chairman of Aylestone Park Association (APA), said that families in the area would like a water theme near the canal and a slide on a grassed mound.