A PLAYING field in Penn Street has been dedicated to the Queen, which will give the green space permanent protection.

Yesterday a plaque was unveiled which shows the field, which is used by the Curzon CofE Combined School, is now part of the Fields in Trust scheme.

It is part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and is a nationwide initiative.

The area will retain its existing name but will also be known as a Queen Elizabeth II Field.

The green space is owned by Penn Parish Council (PPC) and rented to the county council to be used as a school playing field.

Chairman of PPC, Maureen Seymour, said: "It is safe from development and open for recreation for the village.

"It has been there for the last 15 years but now there is no chance it would be developed or spoilt or that villagers will lose the facility."

The plaque unveiling was followed by a picnic and games.