Children from the Gascoigne Estate were the first to try out a new soft play centre designed by Turner Prize nominated artist Marvin Gaye Chetwynd based on their feedback.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Roberta Heavey, three, tries out the slideRoberta Heavey, three, tries out the slide (Image: Archant)

They were invited to the launch of The Idol, a brand new climbing frame unveiled inside Abbey Leisure Centre, on Thursday.

The artist, who gave a special performance at the grand reveal, took her inspiration for the 26ft climbing frame from the Dagenham idol, a Neolithic figure discovered in Dagenham in 1922.

The finished design allows children to climb into the giant body of The Idol and go down a slide, or play in a snakeskin ball pit.

The £200,000 project was commissioned by arts charity Create which aims to encourage artistic projects within the borough, alongside the Arts Council.