The arrival of a dinosaur in Leyton led to excitement amongst schoolchildren last week who were the first to get up close.

A huge pterodactyl has been built as part of a refurbishment at Sidmouth Park in Leyton.

Carved from a hunk of reclaimed cedar, the ancient animal was created by award-winning chainsaw artist Will Lee.

It is the centrepiece of a new play area which includes dinosaur wings of timber and chains, play trees and logs.

Children from Dawlish Primary School in Jesse Road, Leyton, were the first to get to try it out.

Play equipment and safer surfacing were put in place earlier this year for both the under 7s and under 12s play areas.

The park also now boasts table tennis tables and a picnic and recreation area.

Around £2million has been spent on improving play areas over the past 18 months.