A PLAY area for children with special needs exists on the edge of Wotton-under-Edge.

Bournstream opened at the end of the 1980s, the two-acre site providing a place where special schools and families with disabled children can enjoy the countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Barbara Saxton, from Bournstream Farm, has put the land in trust for this purpose.

The majority of children using the site have learning difficulties, especially autism, or mobility disabilities.

The most popular play equipment are the 'old-fashioned' favourites - a huge sandpit, swings (some of which are adapted), a safe water play area, Wendy house and roundabout.

Committee member Mark Pasco said: "Interestingly, other children, usually friends or siblings, are equally keen on those, as well as a new football area with goals."

A questionnaire completed last year discovered the majority of users are reasonably local, but some families and groups travel from Bristol, Gloucester and beyond.

More than a third of those replying used the play site each month - more than a half of users visited once a week or fortnight.

The main season runs from Easter to the end of October each year.

Mrs Saxton said: "This is a very local charity, that survives because of the goodwill of local individuals and organisations, who donate time and money - including Renishaw, Lions, Round Table and Leyhill Prison."

On Saturday Vince Howell and Richard Boggis, from Wotton Round Table, were joined by other volunteers to build a pirate boat play structure, a new addition for the area.

Mr Boggis said: "Despite the weather, all went according to plan - we had great fun digging the hole for the boat.

"We enjoy doing these projects for good causes but we are always looking for new members."

Round Table volunteers can contact www.wotton-under-edge.net.

Some comments about Bournstream, by parents who answered questionnaires, were: "Somewhere to take a special child and let him be himself without explanation or apology", "A unique and safe haven for parents and kids", and "It allows parents and carers to relax."

Liz Davies, a regular user with her children including a son with special needs, said: "Bournstream is heaven on earth. Knowing that someone has given time, energy and effort to help families like ours is wonderful.

She added: "We use the place every day in the season - we'd like to stay there if we could!"

The annual spring clean of the play area takes place on Saturday, March 22 (10am), organised by Mark Pasco, preparing for the 2003 season to open. Mr Pasco said: "I am annually encouraged and relieved at the goodwill people willingly give."

Pictured: Wotton Round Table members hard at work at the Bournstream Trust on Saturday morning building a pirate boat play area GJA223V03