WORK has started on a £315,000 makeover of a "forgotten" park.

A regeneration group said the revamp should transform under-used Laycock Park in Middlesbrough, into a vibrant green space for local residents to enjoy for generations to come.

The upgrade will include a new floodlit sports pitch, refurbished play areas for toddlers and teenagers, equipped with the latest play equipment, improvements to the park's entrances and a dog exercise area.

Future plans for the park, which is in the town's Laycock Street, could include the addition of a small BMX and skate boarding area.

Earth-moving equipment has moved into the park, only weeks after a £300,000 revamp on another pocket park in the area - the cleared site of the demolished blind school - was completed.

The group behind both facelifts, the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust, is now considering employing a community park ranger to look after all the green spaces in its area.

Joan Ford, chairwoman of the trust, which is overseeing a £52m upgrade of the Newport, West Lane and Whinney Banks neighbourhoods, said: "Laycock Park is one of the largest green spaces in west Middlesbrough. It has always been a priority for us to redevelop, as it has gradually run down over the years.

"After extensive consultation with the local community to find out what they wanted to happen to the park, we are now thrilled to be working on this transformation.

"We aim to give the park back to the people and make it a safe, pleasant place for the community to enjoy."

Edna Donnelly, who chairs the trusts environment group, said: "This is the realisation of years of planning and we are really excited about how the park will look and feel when the work is finished."