A WELL-EQUIPPED play area at the heart of a village is to be unveiled next week.

The Ludworth Fun Zone will open on Monday. The play area with swings and roundabouts is aimed at children from three to 11.

The area, which has been named by children from Ludworth Primary and Nursery School as part of a competition, is the culmination of three years work by community group Ludworth Green Space.

The Fun Zone, at the front of the village, has been financed with £20,000 through the City of Durham Flourishing Communities Fund and just over £18,800 from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust.

It was designed in part by children from the primary school, who helped decide on the location after a tour of the village, looking at different possible sites.

Later, the pupils built a 3-D model to show how they would like it to look.

The model was then turned into reality by Hertfordshire-based company Bigfoot Play systems.

Marie Tyler, community development officer at Durham City Council, said; "Our team would like to congratulate members of Ludworth Green Space group.

"We are delighted that all their hard work has finally paid off, and that the children of the village, and the whole community, can now enjoy a safe, modern play and picnic area.

"We hope that other residents will be encouraged to come forward and join the group to help provide more facilities for older children and young people."