PUPILS helped plant 5,000 spring bulbs last week, to mark the launch of a project to improve play provision for children on a housing estate.

The playing field on Hilda Park estate, South Pelaw, is to be regenerated. The project was initiated in 1996 after a group of parents expressed concern about the deterioration in children's play provision on the site.

The Hilda Park Action Group was set up, supported by Chester-le-Street District Council and Groundwork West Durham.

Funding took several years to raise with £17,000 coming from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, £7,000 from Barclays SiteSavers and new play equipment provided by the council. A further grant of £500 from Barclays enabled the purchase of 5,000 spring bulbs, which were planted by children from Hilda Park's infant and junior schools.