A much-loved giant slide that has been enjoyed by Chelmsford kids for 40 years has ended its service.

The old stainless steel slide, which sloped 18 metres down the embankment at Chelmer Park, has been replaced with two, modern orange slides.

The reason for replacing the slide, which has been used by generations of children in the city, was because it was showing signs of wear.

Chelmsford council has now invested £11,000 into the new slides which they predict will last another 40 years.

Councillor Bob Massey, Cabinet Member for Parks, said: "We don't know the exact age of the old slide, but from speaking to park users, some families have been using it for three generations and recall it being at least 40 years old.

"Because it is such a well-loved feature, we wanted to make sure the replacement was even better, and I think that has been achieved.

"These fantastic giant racing slides are exciting and durable enough to give local children great enjoyment for decades to come."

Work is also underway on two 3G pitches at Chelmer Park, which will complete very soon, and the park's outdoor gym will be replaced with modern new equipment from 18 September.