CALNE'S vision of a playground for able bodied and special needs children can now become a reality, thanks to a successful double cash bid.

The playground will be built in the new state of the art housing estate at Stokes Croft.

At the estate, the homes draw on the latest environmentally-friendly technology, such as solar panels.

Now it is to include an enclosed area for toddlers, a multi-play area designed for children up to 12 years as well as swings and slides built especially with disabled children in mind, so that they can join in the fun.

Delighted mother-of-two Michelle Smith said the special playground means her wheelchair bound son Kieran, three, who suffers from cerebral palsy, will now be able to enjoy a day at the park for the first time in his life.

"I think it's a brilliant idea," she said.

"He's never been able to go to the park before and he ends up coming home screaming because he can't go on anything.

"It's very upsetting because he's only a little boy who wants to go to the park.

"I think it will be great when it's all ready."

The town council successfully secured grant funding for the project from Viridor's landfill tax scheme.

The funding was also provided by the William "Doc" Couch Trust, which provides grants for children with special needs.

But Calne town and the district council will still provide the bulk of the money for the project.

Calne's deputy town clerk, Linda Wakefield, said the council has negotiated with local residents to ensure the children get what they want.

"This area of land was always going to be a play area, but the extra money means it has grown a bit," she said.

Plans for the site will now be put out to tender.