HUNDREDS of people celebrated the opening of a new garden at a children's centre.

Parents and youngsters descended on Selhurst Children's Centre to inspect and test out the new £70,000 outdoor play area.

The garden features a water feature, climbing nets, a sand pit and a "jungle" area.

More than 300 people attended the official opening at the centre in Dagnall Park on May 28.

And last weekend it was confirmed the garden will be open 11am to 1pm every Saturday.

It is hoped the new facility will give children access to fun and games, both indoors and outdoors, whatever the weather.

Anita Mohindra, from the children's centre, said: "The garden is a fantastic addition to the centre, which challenges the older children and offers a tranquil and sensory experience for the younger ones."

Bernadette Excell, outreach coordinator for Croydon's children's centres, said it did not take long for children to explore every corner of the new garden.

She said: "In planning our garden we have consulted children, staff and parents and created areas where the kids can explore and create imaginary worlds."