A once derelict playground has been transformed into an eye-catching attraction for children.

The Peter Pan Playground in Madeira Drive, Brighton, is now a colourful oasis.

Themed on the JM Barrie classic, its play equipment is inspiring and aims to stretch youngsters' imagination.

Gone is the boring black tarmac of most playgrounds and in its place is a springy safe surface featuring brightly coloured images from the Peter Pan story.

The playground is divided into areas for children of all ages and an image of the giant crocodile which ate the clock, separates a space for the youngest.

Other attractions include an interactive water play area based on the Mermaid's Lagoon, which will spout water jets at random.

But children should beware - the timing of the water spouts can also be operated by controllers to give youngsters a surprise.

Meanwhile, the junior area will feature equipment used for the first time in the UK, including a boat and a lighthouse complete with themed and colourful safe surfacing.

Teenagers have no excuse to complain of boredom as a final section with a Lost Boys - and girls - space theme takes them to greater heights and allows them to test their climbing skills.

Tom Atkinson, nine, and his brother, Theo, four, were lucky enough to have a sneak trial of the playground before its opening tomorrow.

Tom said: "The good things are the ship because it has got a slide and things to climb up and down on. I like the theme of Peter Pan and I like the squirty water."

Theo added: "I like the lighthouse because it has got quite a big slide. All the playground bits are funny shapes."

The playground is the first stage of a phased redevelopment of Madeira Drive.