Pirate theme chosen for new play park

The planned play park will replace another that also had a nautical theme

A new children's play area will have a pirate theme after more than 1,000 people voted for it.

It will be built in Maryport on the site of the ageing Shiver Me Timbers park on the harbourside.

Cumberland Council said the project was part of a £12m regeneration.

Leader Mark Fryer added “the enthusiasm for this project has been brilliant".

The site will include a splash park with slides, swings and a zipwire.

The council said the winning theme was backed by 70% of people, compared with an idea themed around ocean wildlife.

A consultation was carried out online, with voting forms placed in key venues in the town.

Local schools were also visited, with more than 130 children placing their votes.

The Labour-led council added funding for the project had been secured through the government's Future High Streets Fund.

Mr Fryer said along with a planned new event space and the refurbishment of the former Wave centre, it would make the waterfront "a real destination" for families.

Work is set to take place over the summer.