Penny Lancaster will join the Easter bunny this weekend as she officially opens a pub play area.

The Theydon Oak, Epping, is launching its new and improved recreation facility for children, on Sunday, following years of concern that it was too close to the road.

39 year-old Kevin has owned the pub for five years and says that he is thankful that the pub finally has the resources to ensure customer safety.

He said: “We have always had a play area here but it concerned us that it was open and a child could run into the road and get hurt.

“I have children myself and when we go out one of our major concerns is making sure that they have somewhere safe to play.

“Since we had such a good year, last year, we are now able to revamp the outside and make it even more family friendly.

Swings, a climbing wall, a sand pit and a three tier climbing frame are just some of the improvements, along with car park corrections and a new children’s menu, that have set the pub back almost £20,000.

Mr Simpson says that work has been carried out as a thank you to the many families who frequent the pub.

He said: “We have a real family friendly environment here.

“The play park will be something that the children can get excited about and their parents can relax knowing that they are safe.

“We want to put something back into the community.”

Family friends Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart are familiar faces in the pub, which attracts many of their fans.

Although he is unsure of his plans, Kevin hopes that Rod will also be attending the fun day, which will kick off at 11:30am.

Goody bags will be given to children exploring the new play area at the free family event which will feature a variety of Easter games and entertainment.