A campaign to remove No Ball Games signs in public spaces has been kicked off by a Scottish football legend.

Denis Law, the former Manchester United striker, removed the first of 100 signs in Aberdeen that will make the city the first in Scotland to allow ball games to be played freely in parks and community spaces.

Law, who was born in Aberdeen, was helped by former team-mate Mike Summerbee as part of a scheme spearheaded by charity Aberdeen Greenspace, which is committed to regenerating and developing city centre green spaces for community use.

Commenting on the signs' removal, Law said: "This is a brilliant initiative and one that is long overdue. It will open up community spaces throughout Aberdeen enabling kids to kick a ball about freely with their friends, which is really important. Aberdeen Greenspace and the local authority should be commended for their work to remove these signs.

"Providing children in some of the city's most underprivileged areas with a sports ball to play with through the Aberdeen Ball Appeal is a fantastic way to mark the first of these signs being taken down."

Aberdeen Greenspace has been working closely with Aberdeen City Council officials to get plans to remove the signs approved by councillors earlier this year and is providing £10,000 of funding to support the project and any subsequent planting that may be required.

The charity hopes to have all the signs removed in time for the UK's National Play Day on Wednesday August 3 next year, an annual celebration of children's right to play highlighting the important role that it has in their lives.

Aberdeen Greenspace chief executive Michelle Herd said: "As an organisation, Aberdeen Greenspace is committed to encouraging public use of the city's community spaces. Taking down the No Ball Games signs removes the restrictions placed on these spaces, opening them up for greater use by the public, especially children.

"Denis Law has inspired many generations of aspiring footballers with his great skill. It is spaces such as those that feature these signs that Denis would have learnt some of his skills, so it is fitting that he has officially removed this first symbolic sign."

Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee Councillor Willie Young said: "Removing the No Ball Games signs is a landmark move for Aberdeen. It is one that sees the city lead the way in Scotland when it comes to public participation in parks and community spaces.

"No Ball Games signs have been a restrictive feature of our city for decades, but by August next year they will be a distant memory. And, I'm delighted that football legend Denis Law has officially kicked off the initiative here today.

"The health and wellbeing of the city's children is important and outdoor play is crucial for many reasons. Not only will it allow children to be more active, benefit their health, it can also boost team spirit and bring the children of our communities together."