HIS grisly depictions of times gone by have earned him legions of young fans.

And now Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown is set to meet some of his East Dorset devotees at a special event this month.

Mr Brown is to be the guest of honour at an opening ceremony for the new Witchampton and Crichel Play Park.

The attraction was built thanks to funding from the Talbot Village Trust, East Dorset District Council and the Dorset County Council Community Fund.

Members of the community also dug deep to raise money for the park.

Mr Brown will cut the ribbon of the £40,000 project, which is located at Witchampton Sports Ground, at 2pm on Saturday, April 23.

After the ceremony, visitors will be invited to take part in a St George's Day-themed fancy dress competition, enjoy a barbecue, cakes and refreshments, play on a bouncy castle and have their faces painted.

Proceeds from the event will go towards a maintenance fund.

Victoria Yardley of the Witchampton and Crichel Play Park Association said: “The whole project has been a mass community event from start to finish, with many people from Witchampton village and outlying hamlets getting involved with fund-raising, attending events, helping out with clearing the ground, levelling it, and choosing and storing the equipment.

“Without the kind and very generous donations from organisations like Talbot Village Trust this would not have been possible.

"We have also had a huge amount of support and advice from Matthew Reeks and East Dorset Council, whose time and input has been invaluable.

"All of us at Witchampton and Crichel Play Park Association have been overwhelmed by the kindness and willingness of people to get involved and would like to thank everyone for their time, efforts and donations.”

The new park features a host of play equipment, including swings, climbing frames and a slide as well as kit for youngsters with disabilities.

For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/witchamptonplaypark