A NEW play area is to be installed at the Bovington Tank Museum.

It will be built on the site of the existing play area close to the main building, once the equipment, some which has been there since 2009, has been removed.

The museum hopes to have the new area ready for use by Easter this year.

Dorset Council has agreed a planning application for the changes.

The museum say its proposal is to update the play area, adding two wooden tank-style structures which youngsters can climb over and play inside.

“The space is staying the same as the designated space currently and there is no change of use and no change of access. The height of the play equipment is no different and there is no overlooking of neighbours etc who could object as the closest neighbour is the Army Camp,” said the planning application.

The site is to the eastern side of the museum and will include a life-sized wooden first world war F53 tank and a more modern model of a Centurion tank, both of which have internal play spaces and will be fitted with climbing wall-style blocks on the outside.

The site will also have swings, a climbing net and a sit-on ‘springy’ tank figure for younger children.