The Barking Splash Park opened ahead of schedule after some of the best weather of the year was forecast for the weekend.

Barking Park’s wet play area had been due to re-open for the 2014 season on Saturday (24) in time for schools’ half-term holidays.

But Barking and Dagenham Council deceided to open early and offer free access on both Saturday and Sunday last week.

Paul Hogan, the council’s divisional director of culture and sport, said: “Barking Splash Park is a great borough facility, which is popular with residents, but we are at the mercy of the weather.

“So for the sake of a week, we have decided to open early due to the nice weather predicted and thought it would be a great gesture to open for free.”

Prices will now range from free for members aged less than a year old, to £3.60 for non-members aged more than one.

Visit lbbd.gov.uk/splash or call 020 8724 3120.

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