The Friends of Queen's Park group, set up after regeneration meetings showed the park was 100 years old, reaches its ten-year anniversary this month.

Jubilant members have received a fitting reward for their efforts in the form of their third Duke of Edinburgh community initiative award.

Group chairman Steve Hyde, who also received personal recognition for community leadership, said: "When someone stood up in a regeneration meeting and said Queen's Park was 100 years old, it spurred us on to take a closer look at it.

"We found it was in such a run down state, it was disgusting, and there was a lack of funds to do anything there.

"Quite a lot of people were frustrated, angry and upset at the park's disrepair –- especially the bowlers – some were even frightened to go in.

"We hoped that we could change the situation and turn it around, and we have."

Early projects the group completed included clearing overgrowth, getting rid of disused buildings, redeveloping a tennis court and creating a sensory garden in the park with Groundwork Wakefield – one of many organisations they have teamed up with.

A year of consultation with young people in 2007 has also brought in many ambitious ideas to improve the facility in the future.

Mr Hyde added: "Consultation showed young people wanted to tidy behind the bandstand and we have a project with Nacro to spruce up the park.

"Wakefield Council has also found some money to do up the bandstand – we work with a lot of different partners.

"The thing youngsters wanted most was something called a chill zone with a skate park and an area to sit and call their own – we have a bid in for £90,000 of lottery funding for that.

"We are responsive to the needs of those who visit the park, I hope we carry on for as long as there is a need.

"I'd just like to see Queen's Park used by local people, it is a great place which for many years was underused.

"We've managed to change that and now full families come to events or just to enjoy the park.

"I'd like to thank all past and present members for their support and work."

Anyone aged nine or older can join the Friends of Queen's Park.

For more details visit www.queenspark.btik.com.