LITTLE Alexandra Ryan's near brush with death galvanised neighbour Terry Dixon into action.

The enterprising 46-year-old is turning the site of a demolished warehouse into a mini sports ground and adventure playground for youngsters on the "forgotten" St Hilda's neighbourhood of Middlesbrough.

Children are helping him prepare, plant and mark out a former patch of waste ground, which has been cleared and grassed.

"There was a little girl playing here when a car came round the corner and nearly knocked her down," said Mr Dixon.

"That's when I thought I had to do something. The kids round here have nothing."

"This will give them a safe environment and, because they are involved in the work, they will respect it and leave it alone.''

Mr Dixon has edged the area with blocks of sandstone to ward off boy racers, built a picnic table and trained plants, found in skips, to grow over the boulders. He has already marked out a badminton court , and plans to install a swingball and areas for five-a-side and basketball.

The Cleveland Youth Association is providing money for paint and for a mural which will be painted on the gable end of a building, at one end of the site.

"It's really exciting,'' said the association's Carol Clark.

"I think Terry and the youngsters have done a great job so far. They are really enthusiastic about it. This will make a big difference to the St Hilda's area.''

Edmund Levie, financial accountant with St Hilda's business, Pattison interior designers, said: "I think what they are doing is absolutely brilliant and the good thing is the kids are involved. He is doing a first-class job.''

The firm is to provide hanging baskets for the project.

Jack Stephenson, vice-chairman of the local community council said: "We are the forgotten area here. The kids have nothing but a football pitch. Yet, let them have a go and this is what happens. They are doing wonders."

Resident Barbara Yafano said: "It makes such a difference being able to look out on to something nice."