WORK to upgrade playgrounds in Bexley has been applauded at a national level.

Five playgrounds in the £3m refurbishment scheme have received Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awards.

Bexley leads the way this year on new play areas and has more RoSPA site awards than any other local authority.

Four play areas, Erith recreation ground, Avenue Road, Erith; The Dell, Crayford; West Heath recreation ground, and Stevens Park, Wrotham Road, Welling, won the highest five-star award and the Town Park in Banks Lane, Bexleyheath, won a three-star award.

The awards recognised the standard of the playgrounds and their disabled access.