WORK to create a playpark for children of all abilities in the heart of Dunfermline is set to begin in the New Year.

Play As One Scotland have been fundraising to build an inclusive area for youngsters, with or without a physical disability or learning difficulty, to play together within Pittencrieff Park.

In July, the Press reported that the charity, created three years ago by a group of friends that took part in the Dunfermline Athletic Football Fans in Training initiative in 2011, had reached the stage of Fife Council choosing a preferred bidder to carry out the work.

That has now been completed and Play As One Scotland say that a "key milestone of the ground-breaking activities for the commencement of our first inclusive playpark", which they believe will be a first for Scotland, will start in January and should be finished within three months.

On their Facebook page, they stated: "The trustees of Play As One Scotland are very excited to announce that work on our first playpark in Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline will commence on January 15, 2018.

"The successful bidder for the work, Hawthorn Heights, will work in conjunction with Fife Council and Wicksteed to complete the work in 10 to 12 weeks.

"It's been a long journey so far but we are so close to the finishing line on our first inclusive playpark we could not wait to tell you the good news."

Initially estimated to cost in the region of £150,000, the facility – which is to be located at the top end of the Glen near to the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust HQ – will include a music and sensory garden and equipment such as swings, roundabouts and electronic games.

Having secured more than £100,000 of external funding from organisations such as Amazon, Thomas Cook, the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Fife Environmental Trust, a further £20,000 of funding – agreed before tender was issued by Fife Council – was approved at September's City of Dunfermline area committee.

In reports prepared for the meeting, it was stated that the project would "add to the attractions of this destination park" and lead to "increased numbers from (the) current 800,000 per year".

It also warned that failure to secure the additional £20,000 would "result in over £150,000 of funding being lost" and the park not being built, which the council agreed to manage and maintain last year, but it is understood all funding is in place to allow the facility to be built.

The charity is also working with Hamilton Academical FC's community trust to develop a football-themed inclusive park at their stadium and, for more information about Play as One Scotland and how to get involved, visit www.pa1s.org.uk, or find them on Facebook.