A new park is set to open in Rainham, with a free family-friendly event to celebrate its launch.

Central Park, part of the more than £1bn Beam Park regeneration scheme led by Countryside Partnerships and housing association L&Q, will officially open on Friday (May 31).

The opening ceremony will see Barking and Dagenham councillor Saima Ashraf and Havering councillor Keith Darvill, alongside representatives from Countryside Partnerships and L&Q, cutting the ribbon.

Entertainment for the launch includes an inflatable helter-skelter, Ferris wheel, games, DJ, face painting and an ice cream van.

The 2.5-hectare riverside park, divided by the River Roding, features a river-themed play trail, a swings area, jungle gym and numerous play areas.

The addition of Central Park continues the transformation of the former Ford manufacturing plant site.

Already, the first two phases of Beam Park have seen the delivery of 1,063 homes, a new nursery, medical centre, retail spaces and a primary school under construction.

When completed, more than 58 per cent of the previously inaccessible brownfield site will be open space, helping to create habitats for wildlife and promote biodiversity.