Torrential storms may have ravaged the rest of Swindon, but visitors at the opening of Nightingale Wood, South Marston, didn't even get their shoes wet.

They benefited from the hard work of staff and volunteers, who were there to celebrate the re-opening of the woods to the public.

Great Western Community Forest has provided the expertise and the manpower to create pathways through the wood, and this week they and several special guests were able to celebrate the completion of their labours.

South Swindon MP Julia Drown sawed through a piece of wood to declare the site officially open.

Five years of project work has concentrated on restoring the woods to a position where they can be accessed by just about everyone from those on foot to people who are wheelchair-bound.

Great Western Community Forest field officer, Patrick Norris, said: "Nightingale Wood represents a tremendous achievement for the partners involved in its creation.

"With support from a number of authorities, the commitment to develop the area to the highest specification for the community to enjoy has been our number one priority. We are positive this winning combination will be hugely popular with local people who will immediately recognise the improvements."