WORK on an environmental project at a Ferryhill Station play area is to start this week.

The contractors have moved on to the Surtees play area site to begin work on the Doorstep Green initiative.

The Countryside Agency initiative is the first of its kind in the region and is progressing thanks mainly to a £35,000 grant from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund.

The aim is to regenerate the whole of the play area through landscaping, creating woodlands and footpaths and installing railings, a youth shelter, seats and art features.

There are also plans for a basketball practice and five-a-side area, new gateways and disabled access.

Durham-based Soner Landscaping were awarded the contract.