Carlisle's biggest and most popular play park will reopen next Friday - 10 months on from the flood that wrecked it.

More than £200,000 has been spent replacing and improving equipment at the Bitts Park site.

At the peak of the December floods, the park was swamped under 8ft of water.

The contaminated floodwater water caused extensive damage to the mechanical and electrical components of the play equipment, including the water splash feature.

The safety matting was lifted and damaged.

Following lengthy insurance negotiations, Carlisle City Council was able to start work this summer.

Equipment has been installed and the layout now includes flood resilient measures.

It is predominantly of steel frame construction, with panel work and floors that are easily washed down.

The equipment is also mostly of modular construction, allowing moving parts or contaminated parts to be easily replaced.

Chris Southward, councillor for environment and transport, said: "Rather than replacing like-for-like, we’ve taken the opportunity to rethink what play equipment we have and how we can make it more flood resilient.

“We have also installed wheelchair-accessible play equipment, including a swing and trampoline, plus other equipment that is accessible for all abilities and ages.

"We’d like to thank everyone that has helped us redesign the new play area.

"Mencap has supported with their expert advice and have also provided funding via a Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust grant.”