MINING communities are have received an early Christmas present in the shape of a series of grants worth almost £200,000.

Dene Valley Community Partnership has been awarded the funding it needs to complete work on a park and play area.

Members of the partnership have been planning the improvements to a park, between Coundon Grange and Close House, for four years.

Last year an all-purpose ball court was created and with £196,000 now secured, the rest of the plans can become a reality.

Work on new seating, landscaping, wildflower planting and creative play facilities is expected to start in the New Year.

Chairman of the partnership, Coun Margaret Ingledew, was thrilled with news of the grants.

She said: "The ball court is already a huge success, there is a real need for good facilities for young people around this area.

"The park will be somewhere for everyone, there will be things for youngsters to do and quiet seating for older residents.

"We've plans for a nature trail and wetland area to encourage butterflies and wildflowers and hopefully a small skateboard facility.

"There will be children's seating and secure metal fencing which we hope to add artwork to to reflect the area's mining heritage."

The Countryside Agency Doorstep Green programme awarded £70,000 to the scheme and further grants have come from Wear Valley District Council, County Durham Foundation, Barclays Sitesavers and European money.

Dene Valley is one of 200 Doorstep Greens to be created in England under a Countryside Agency scheme, supported by New Opportunities Fund cash.

Coun Ingledew said: "It is fantastic news, especially in time for Christmas. It has been a long process to get the plans finalised and to finally have the funds to put them in place is very pleasing.

"There have been very positive consultations through public meetings with residents, workshops with young people and a summer fair event.

"We know that the plans reflect what people in Dene Valley really want and need and I'm sure they will be well used and looked after."