A PRIMARY school is teaming up with a regeneration programme to turn part of the school field into a safe play area for use during and after school hours.

In the initiative, Lynnfield Primary School, in Hartlepool, will work with Hartlepool New Deal for Communities (NDC) to develop the school's playing field into a more accessible and userfriendly site. The project comes after calls from local youngsters wanting somewhere safe to play.

The development will take place on a small strip of land adjacent to Sheriff Street, and will be supervised at certain times of the day by play rangers.

The rangers, who will be employed by the Lynnfield Learning Centre, which is based alongside the school, will also take responsibility for ensuring that the field is safe for play.

The project is the first of its kind, and will strengthen links with the school and the local community by providing them with a useable space out of school hours.

Headteacher Joy Lowe said: "I am delighted the project has been approved by NDC and supported by the community.

"The children are really looking forward to seeing the area developed, and seeing their ideas and plans happen. It is such an exciting venture to be involved with."

The project will also include a new entrance to the play area, from Sheriff Street, the installation of CCTV security cameras and benches and trees will be planted. In addition, there will be improvements to the school's multi-use games area, including fencing, goals and lighting.

Julian Penton, from NDC, said: "Children need to play as much as they need secure homes and to receive sufficient nourishment."