DURHAM youngsters are to tell politicians what they got out of a two-year play project.

Nine of the children who benefited from Play Opportunity Works (POW) will go to London next week to tell ministers, including Minister for Children and Young People Beverley Hughes, how they enjoyed it and how future schemes could be improved.

POW, launched in 2003 to provide activities for five to 13-year-olds, is now coming to an end, having helped more than 1,000 youngsters, including some with disabilities.

The scheme was run by Durham City Council and was funded by the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund and Better Play.

Council community development officer Carl Marshall said the youngsters had helped shape the project. He said the London visit was an "excellent opportunity for those who have benefited from POW to put across their views on the project".

He added: "It is hoped their views will enable future funding schemes to develop to the needs of the young people.''