WORK is progressing on the regeneration of a run-down Darlington park.

Development work on North Park is now well under way to make it visitor-friendly, and more work will follow.

The Friends of North Park are continuing their fundraising quest, having so far raised more than £14,000 in grants.

The group has been working with young people in the North Road area to make the park as youth-friendly as possible, and youngsters have turned out in large numbers to the meetings to express their concerns at the lack of activities for them.

In response, a shelter - chosen by the youngsters - will be installed in the coming weeks as a place where they can congregate safely.

Maintenance work has also been carried out, the children's sand pit is now in use again, and the outer fence has been painted.

The bandstand, a central feature of the park, will cost up to £20,000 to renovate and make secure, so has been fenced off for now.

The group hopes to eventually raise enough money to restore it to its former glory.

Councillor Steve Jones, chairman of the Friends, said the minor repairs were just a prelude to some major changes.

"We really want to start making the bigger changes, but will need enough funding first," he said.

"We have fenced the band stand off to prevent further damage being caused to it, but hopefully we can start work on it sooner rather than later.

"Everyone is teaming up and helping to apply for funding, but it's just a matter of waiting to see if our applications are successful."

The group is preparing to hold a fun day in the park on Sunday, September 18, from 2pm to 5pm.

Any volunteers who can help to organise the event, or any businesses who could support it, are asked to call Coun Jones on (01325) 481737.