IF you go down to the park today you’re sure of a big surprise - colourful cupboards full of toys!

Playboxes have been placed in Verdin Park in Northwich to provide children with free toys and games.

The idea is to encourage families to make more use of open spaces.

The boxes include a mixture of equipment such as footballs, badminton sets, frisbees and racquets.

Family games such as giant snakes and ladders and draughts are also available.

The project has been launched by the charity Active Cheshire, which promotes physical activity and sport.

The People’s Postcode Lottery funded the venture.

Hayley Preece, Active Cheshire project management and deliver officer, said: “The purpose is to offer shared toys free for friends and families of all ages.

“All people have to do is visit the website on the side of the playbox and pop their name and email into the system. They will receive a code which unlocks the padlock.”

The Mayor of Northwich Cllr Alison Gerrard and local residents came to Verdin Park for the launch of the project on Monday.

Archie the lion, the Active Cheshire mascot, joined the celebration.

The project was inspired by the ethos of a shared bike scheme in China and a successful outdoor toy loan initiative in Canada.

“It builds up community spirit,” said Hayley. “It is based on trust. We want families to know there will always be toys so if the weather is lovely and you don’t have stuff with you , you can help yourself. Spontaneity means you can always have fun.

“We appreciate there will be breakages and we have contingency plans.

“We have decorated the boxes in bright vibrant colours. We want to offer a wide variety of toys to different people and families and promote the use of free spaces in the park.”

The playboxes have been designed from durable materials to withstand vandalism and fire.

Asda, Morrisons, New Balance and Decathlon have donated toys and Northwich Lidl provided healthy snacks for the launch.

The Mayor of Northwich Cllr Alison Gerrard said: “I think it’s a great idea and I hope families do go along and use the play boxes and have a great time doing so.”

Families can donate toys in good condition.

Active Cheshire wishes to thank Northwich Town Council for their support in approving the installation of the playboxes.