PLANS to build a 'Pensioners Playpark' equipped with swings, spacewalkers and an agility bench have been unveiled.

The unique funzone will be open to fun-loving OAPs who want to put a spring back in their step.

The park which is to be sited in Brodie Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, will be funded to the tune of £20,000.

Council chiefs and pensioners groups have welcomed the project and admitted the idea has raised some smiles.

SNP Councillor George Adam said: "We discussed the idea of cross generational ideas within our parks.

"Our lead council officer Peter MacLeod who is also the Director of Social Work suggested the idea of a Pensioners' Play park.

"Initially everyone found this quite humorous but after we discussed it further the idea of an outdoor gym became quite a sensible idea.

"We then developed the idea further and looked at all our park areas.

"I'm sure all the pensioners of the area will be showing the younger generations how it's done."

After a year of planning, the proposals for the outdoor Gym will be put to the next Paisley South Local Area planning committee on August 25 where it is expected to be given the green light.

Work is expected to get underway soon after and November has been targeted as a completion date.

Sprightly OAP's who visit the park will be able to stretch out on the agility bench, or even enjoy a roller back massager.

Cllr Adam said: "All of this is quite ambitious and we will not be able to complete it all overnight.

"At our previous meeting various members mentioned that they liked the idea of doing something regarding our public park areas.

"One thing that I mentioned was that we may look at the latest craze which seems to be play parks for older people.

"That created quite a debate and provided us with quite a solid foundation for our lead council officer to come back with a report on a plan forward."

Lindsay Scott of Help The Aged praised Renfrewshire Council for their move and encouraged others to follow their example.

He added: "People are living longer now than ever before, however that doesn't mean that they are doing so in the best of health.

"It may seem just a far-sighted idea but the council should be commended for their vision.

"If they have listened to their community and plan to give old aged pensioners a safe environment to share with their peers, we can only hope others will follow their example."