An enchanted castle, a forbidden forest and a giant spider�s web were unveiled in Edinburgh yesterday at a new children�s park designed to encourage fantasy play.

An enchanted castle, a forbidden forest and a giant spider's web were unveiled in Edinburgh yesterday at a new children's park designed to encourage fantasy play.

The £120,000 play park in West Princes Street Gardens was put to the test by toddlers from Grassmarket and Cowgate nurseries.

Children entering the park through two giant chessmen standing on a chess board enjoyed the colourful apparatus at Edinburgh City Council's newest play park.

The facility also has more traditional attractions including a slide, see-saw, roundabout and swings as well as quiet areas for youngsters to rest.

It is designed to be used by children of all ages and given its location in the popular historic gardens is expected to attract young tourists as well as local children from the capital.

The launch follows a critical report earlier this year which revealed that Edinburgh had far fewer play parks per head than other areas in Scotland.

Launching the new facility yesterday, council leisure leader Deidre Brock said: "We are committed to making Edinburgh's parks accessible and enjoyable places for people of all ages and this fantastic new facility will appeal to children from all over Edinburgh...The quality of the design of this new play park is stunning and even as a grown up you can't help but be impressed."

Children's charity Play Scotland called on councils to increase the number of public play parks to improve children's health after conducting a survey which revealed that there was only one playground for every 250 children on average nationwide.