---
title: "Rocco opens Mereside Children's Centre play area with Dame Esther Rantzen!"
url: "https://www.fcat.org.uk/news/2017-05-11-rocco-opens-mereside-children-s-centre-play-area-with-dame-esther-rantzen"
school: "Fylde Coast Academy Trust"
---

# Rocco opens Mereside Children's Centre play area with Dame Esther Rantzen!

  ![Image of Rocco opens Mereside Children's Centre play area with Dame Esther Rantzen!](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%201.jpg)  11 May 2017

![](https://www.fcat.org.uk/images/gallery/12444/BEST%208.jpg)

Three-year-old Rocco was joined by television presenter Esther Rantzen to cut the ribbon at the early years play zone at Mereside Children’s Centre.

He earned the honour of being the **'VIT'** - Very Important Toddler, after his suggestion of **‘Little Diggers’** won a competition to name the £40,000 park.

Ms Rantzen, who is a trustee of children’s charity the NSPCC which is spearheading the Better Start project, said: “Looking around at this lovely playground and seeing children having a fantastic time, it really demonstrates that Blackpool values the children here and that the children are important, which they must be".

Tony Nicholson, CEO of FCAT said: "I am delighted to have been invited to join staff, students and parents/carers for this significant opening ceremony of the early years play zone. FCAT is grateful for this £40,000 investment which is part of a £1.6m investment in play facilities across Blackpool by Blackpool Better Start".

**(Pictured above right:** FCAT CEO, Tony Nicholson chats with Dame Esther Rantzen).

A selection of images from the opening ceremony can be viewed below:

### Mereside Children's Centre - Little Diggers Garden Opening

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%206.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%206.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%201.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%201.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%202.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%202.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%203.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%203.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%207.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%207.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%204.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%204.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%205.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%205.jpg)

  [![](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/12444/BEST%208.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/fcat/images/gallery/12444/BEST%208.jpg)

 [ Armfield Academy questionnaire now LIVE!](https://www.fcat.org.uk/news/2017-04-24-armfield-academy-questionnaire-now-live) [Unity Academy is a GOOD school! ](https://www.fcat.org.uk/news/2017-11-07-unity-academy-is-a-good-school)

   **Fylde Coast Academy Trust**
Mereside Primary Academy
Langdale Road
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 4RR
Tel: 01253 207709
Email: <info@fcat.org.uk>

### Social Media

- [X](https://twitter.com/FCATrust)

### Newsletter

### Translation

 © Copyright 2014–2026 Fylde Coast Academy Trust

 School &amp; Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.fcat.org.uk/img/logo/dark.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)