THREE girls from Saltburn who took their first steps into local democracy were honoured for their efforts this week.

Thirteen-year-olds Carli Tucker-McNaught and Gemma Cutter, along with ten-year-old Tanya Budd, wrote to Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council last year highlighting the problems surrounding the Lilac Close play area.

Now their efforts have paid off following a joint project between the parish council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council which has seen a £9,000 scheme bring new play equipment, safety surface and a picnic table to the play area.

The borough council chooses one play area a year to upgrade and it was the girls' letter which won the Lilac Close play area its makeover.

At the official opening ceremony on Monday, the three girls were guests of honour.

Joan Guy, chairman of the parish council, said: "We were very impressed with the girls' letter and their argument for upgrading Lilac Close. We've paid £4,200 towards the project and we're sure it's going to be very good value for money."