Micah Richards said the park was an "excellent facility"

More than �70,000 has been spent on transforming the Woodland Mount park in Chapeltown, Leeds.

It had fallen into disrepair and become a focal point for anti-social behaviour, rubbish dumping, vandalism and graffiti.

Mr Richards, 18, who plays for Manchester City, grew up in the Chapeltown area.

The park, which opened on Wednesday, now has a central courtyard area for community performances and new play equipment.

Focal point

Local schoolchildren helped to create a mosaic and new pictured fence panels which surround the park.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, Mr Richards said: "This area of Leeds is one I know well and it will be great to come back to see what is being done to improve it for the people living there now.

"The park will be an excellent facility for everyone to use and be proud of and I am looking forward to returning to Chapeltown and officially opening it for everyone to enjoy."

Leeds City Council said it hoped the new park would be a focal point for local people and a facility where children could learn and play in a safe environment.