VILLAGERS are celebrating a grant of £13,122 that will help them create a play area for children.

The Hedleyhope Community Association, in Derwentside, is one of the groups to benefit from a £30m Government funding scheme.

The association has been working in partnership with Hedleyhope Parish Council and Derwentside District Council to achieve its goal.

District councillor John Pickersgill, who has acted as co-ordinator in bringing together the groups involved, said: "This is the last piece of the jigsaw and we are absolutely thrilled to get this grant from Living Spaces.

"Community representatives have all worked hard over the previous 18 months putting together this project."

Coun Pickersgill, who also serves on the parish council, said it had been noticed there were a growing number of young couples with small children moving to the village.

He said: "We had to pull some of the playing area down for safety reasons, leaving just a set of swings, which was inadequate. There was an identified need for a new play area so we started working towards getting one."

The community association was given £7,000 from the district council, while the parish council secured £5,000 from the Awards for All fund.

The remaining cash comes from the Deputy Prime Minister's Living Spaces initiative, which provides funds and support to help people make the most of open spaces in their neighbourhood.

District councillor Ann Taylor, who is portfolio holder for Strong Communities, said: "I am delighted that the East Hedleyhope Partnership has been successful in gaining this grant.

"And I am happy that the council has been able to contribute to their success."

The play area, with a range of equipment, is expected to be up and running by the summer.