WORK has started on a £500,000 scheme to create a town park.

The park, in Newton Aycliffe, will be constructed using the most modern equipment and materials available.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Great Aycliffe, Councillors Malcolm Iveson and his wife Sarah, were joined by Sedgefield Borough Council Mayor George Gray to plant the first tree at the site.

The park will be on fields that were part of the former Avenue Comprehensive school site and will complement the town centre development currently being constructed.

Great Aycliffe Town Council, with the backing of Sedgefield Borough Council, has spared no expense on making sure the park will be a major asset to the community.

The entrance to the park, which has a footpath and cycleway running through it, will lead on to a garden.

Artwork at the entrance will be created by pupils from Woodham Community Technology College, and the formal garden will include flower beds, trees and a seating area.

Once through the garden, the council is hoping visitors will be amazed at what they see.

A play area will be created for toddlers and juniors, using the latest equipment, including a giant swing capable of seating eight children.

The areas will not be segregated by age, allowing children to choose which equipment they play on according to their own ability.

A teen-zone will include a skateboard facility and seating area. It will be next to a ball court which will be used for roller-hockey, five-a-side football and basketball.

There will also be a picnic area, playing fields and a park-keepers' hut with public lavatories.

If all goes according to plan, it is hoped the park will be open to the public by the end of September.