A touching tribute was paid to much-loved Westminster playworker Ian Parker when a climbing wall was opened in his memory.

Ian Parker, a play worker known as 'Granny' by many of the children he met over 23 years working in play centres, died in August.

The 50-year-old had been diagnosed with a inoperable brain tumour last April.

On Saturday, a new children's climbing wall was unveiled by his wife Linda and son Alun at the Lisson Green Play Centre, in Capland Street, Lisson Grove, where he spent much of his working life.

Children from Lisson Green Play Centre and Sussex Street Play Centre, Pimlico, where Mr Parker also worked, sang songs and read poems to celebrate the opening of the wall.

A plaque marking his dedication to working with youngsters is set to be put up at the site, along with an exhibition of photographs highlighting Mr Parker's work.

Linda Parker, 59, said: "Before Ian died we talked about how we could celebrate his life.

"He told me he didn't want to have a bench, as he didn't want anyone 'sitting' on him, and it was clear he wanted something that could be used and enjoyed by children and was permanent than flowers.

"I think this is a very fitting tribute that would have made Ian very happy."

Westminster play services manager Jane Buttigieg worked with Ian for several years.

She said: "He had a wicked sense of humour and was widely loved by staff, children and their families. The sheer amount of correspondence we've received about Ian since he passed away demonstrates just how much he meant to the community."

Mr Parker started working for Westminster's play association in 1985 after graduating from teacher training college.

The Parker family has asked that anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Mr Parker should contact the Trinity Hospice through the web-site www.trinityhospice.org.uk or by calling 020 7787 1044.