MORRIS Barton's contribution to East Cowes has been commemorated with the opening of a new MUGA bearing his name.

The former leader of the Isle of Wight Council and long-serving East Cowes town councillor was made OBE in recognition of his public service including promotion of improved facilities in the town.

Following his death last year the town council decided its new Multi-Use Games Area should be named in Cllr Barton's honour.

Off Vectis Road, on part of Victoria Rec, it incorporates a hard surface for a variety of ball games and an outdoor gym.

There is already a skate park there, children's play area and community centre nearby where the town council organises a youth club once a week.

The MUGA was mainly funded by Section 106 contributions from developers as part of planning permissions granted.

Mayor Peter Lloyd said: "Councillors Jane Rann and Margaret Webster and our facilities officer Mick Collis played a valuable part in getting this off the ground with the Isle of Wight Council after ward councillor Julia Baker-Smith promised to look into it

"In its first few days it has already proved popular."

Cllr Barton's widow, Marcia, performed the opening ceremony.