A NEW play area at Darlington Memorial Hospital was officially opened by two football stars.

Darlington Football Club manager Dave Penney and winger Martin Smith cut the ribbons on the new children's activity room, which was built with funding from The Children's Foundation charity.

Cummins engine factory agreed to pay for the scheme with a £7,000 donation and staff even volunteered to help build the centre.

Ikea Gateshead and AM Electrical, of Darlington, also backed the project.

The outpatients department now has a TV, and toys and games to keep children in the waiting room occupied.

Cummins workers David Yule, Simon Nicholson and Chris Hall took time out to put together furniture for the play area.

Mr Nicholson said: "It has been great to see the transformation.

"It was just an empty space and now it is a fully equipped, colourful and fun play area for the many children who visit the outpatient's department.

"It's been hard work, but well worth it."

The scheme is part of The Children's Foundation's Happy initiative - which aims to furnish hospitals across the North-East with play areas.

Hospitals in Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Northumberland will also be fitted out in the near future.