Play equipment designed and made in Kettering, including a mini-replica of the iconic 10 Downing Street door, has taken centre stage on the lawn of the Prime Minister’s London residence.

Wicksteed Leisure Ltd produced the London-themed universally inclusive slide play set in just five days, after being asked if they could supply equipment for The Global Day of Parents event hosted by Lady Victoria Starmer.

Katherine Perkins MD and Lynne Eggington, commercial director of Wicksteed Leisure Ltd, joined more than 150 parents, families and care givers in the Downing Street garden for a play date on Monday (June 1).

The company, founded by Charles Wicksteed, also supplied a classic Elephant Springy with bespoke livery, created by Corby Graphix Ltd, for the invited children to play on.

Katherine Perkins, Managing Director of Wicksteed Leisure Ltd (second from left) at Downing Street in London. The replica door of Number 10 can be seen on the right. Prime Minister's wife Lady Victoria Starmer hosted the reception for children, parents, and care givers to mark Global Parents Day /James Manning Getty Images

placeholder image — Katherine Perkins, Managing Director of Wicksteed Leisure Ltd (second from left) at Downing Street in London. The replica door of Number 10 can be seen on the right. Prime Minister's wife Lady Victoria Starmer hosted the reception for children, parents, and care givers to mark Global Parents Day /James Manning Getty Images

Lynne said: “It was a massive honour. We had just five days to manufacture the whole unit with a slide, ramp and new interactive panels made specifically for the day, all made in Kettering.

“It’s not every day you get invited to Number 10. I won’t forget it for a long time. It was a really proud moment.

"We didn’t know what to expect. We showed Lady Starmer around the unit and spoke to Bridget Phillipson (Education Secretary).”

But it’s not the first high-profile event for the team at Wicksteed Leisure. In December, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves paid a visit to their Digby Street HQ for a tour of the works.

l-r Lynne Eggington commercial director and Katherine Perkins, managing director of Wicksteed Leisure Ltd at 10 Downing Street/ Wicksteed Leisure Ltd

The company has also been involved with Play England supporting the ‘It all started with play’ strategy which has seen the promise of an £18m investment in playgrounds.

Lynne added: “Being invited to Downing Street was a real honour and a massive team effort – it was amazing.”

The play equipment is now back in Kettering at the factory.