SOUTHAMPTON mayor Peter Wakeford on Wednesday unveiled a stone sculpture designed by a nine-year-old and created by children.

He took part in the ceremony at the Zoe Braithwaite Play centre, in Fraser Close, Lordshill. He commended the sculpture, designed by James Halett, and signed the city council's Play Pledge 2000 - to improve play facilities and services for children.

Other play projects in the city include a wall of handprints at Coxford adventure playground and a new outside play area at Newtown adventure playground.

Mr Wakeford said: "No one would deny that play is vital to children's development and we are delighted to be celebrating the Play Pledge 2000."

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