WACKY 90s television presenter Timmy Mallett mingled with hundreds of children and parents from Calne as he officially opened a new play area in the town yesterday.

Mallett, complete with the infamous Mallett’s Mallet, entertained crowds and helped launch hundreds of balloons in to the sky to mark the opening of North End Play Area.

The special guest, who recently appeared on the ITV reality show ‘I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here’ said he was overwhelmed by the facilities at the £200,000 park.

He said: “It is just phenomenal, I only wish we had equipment like this when I was a kid.

“What is great about it is, somebody had a dream about what they wanted to see here, and they worked really hard at it for three years to make that dream happen. Originally the town council only had enough money to do a small part of the park, but they said to the people of Calne, what is it that you want, and they wanted something for all ages, and that is what they have achieved.

“I’m pretty sure there aren’t many towns with a population as small as Calne’s that have such brilliant facilities.

“I’m delighted to see the old sand pits are here too, we had them when I was young and its great to see all the children enjoying themselves and getting sand in their socks, that’s what you’re supposed to do when you’re a youngster.

“I will definitely be coming back to Calne again, its brilliant.”

The £200,000 play park, which originally opened to the public in February, has play equipment for toddlers right the way through to teenagers, including modern climbing frames, zip wires, slides and swings. There were also face paints, refreshments, balloon modelling and circus skills workshops.

Mum Emma Holton took her three year old daughter Honor to the official opening.

She said: “Its absolutely fantastic, we have never been before but we will definitely come back again. Calne has a new police station, new parks, excellent sports facilities, things are definitely on the up for the town.”

Little Honor said: “The park is amazing, and I really like getting my face painted.”

Councillor Howard Marshall added: “It is a wonderful facility for the children in North End, and in the whole town of Calne. It has been very well used since it opened earlier this year. Timmy was brilliant, and the children were completely enthralled with him.”