RESIDENTS in an east Durham village are planning a new showground right down to the last shrub.

The Planning for Real project is taking place at Shotton Colliery where those living in the community have been invited to help transform the village's Victoria Showground.

The scheme with a difference began with young people in the village constructing a 3D map of the area.

Residents were then asked to help build up the picture by placing model trees, shrubs and general facilities on the map.

At the same time, those living in the former mining community were also asked to indicate their preferences and priorities on a large target with the bull's eye representing the development they believe to be most important.

The park is an underused open space lying in the heart of the village, and one which has suffered from years of neglect and abuse.

But its future now looks much more certain since young residents and the Shotton Partnership 2000 teamed up with Groundwork East Durham to work on plans to improve the park and its facilities.

Anyone wanting to get involved in the scheme can contact Kay Fotheringham on 0191-527 3333.