CHILDREN will be consulted for their ideas towards a £30,000 improvement programme at a park.

Bensham Park, in the Harrowgate Hill area of Darlington, has been awarded the money as part of a government programme.

It is one of 22 parks in the town which has shared £1.1m of funding from Play England to develop natural play spaces.

Environmental regeneration charity Groundwork will help to oversee the project to design an area aimed at eight to 13-year-olds.

The ten design principles set by Play England which Groundwork will follow include enhancing the environment, making use of natural elements and providing a range of facilities for children of different ages. The area will also be accessible for disabled children.

Groundwork will consult local residents and children to draw up a design for Bensham Park.