CAMPAIGNERS say they are confident the House of Lords will rule in their favour in a landmark case for the future of green spaces.

Members of the Washington First Forum took their fight to preserve the sports arena at Princess Anne Park, Washington, to the highest court in the land this week.

City of Sunderland College has already received permission to build a sixth form college on the site, after Sunderland City Council decided not to register it as a town or village green.

After fighting the decision in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, the Washington First Forum was given leave to appeal to the Lords.

Following a two-day hearing before five Law Lords, led by Master of the Rolls Lord Bingham, the group is optimistic of success.

Robert Duggan, acting chairman of the forum, said: "We are very pleased with the way it went. We felt that our QC, George Lawrence, gave his best shot on our behalf.

"A lot of time was spent discussing Scottish law and it seems that under it, we would have had no bother in getting the sports arena registered.

"We hope that the Law Lords will agree the situation should be the same in England."

As the case will clarify the law on the status of green spaces, it is likely to set a precedent for others throughout the country.

Mr Duggan said its outcome was eagerly awaited by many, including Sports Minister Richard Caborn.

He said: "This is regarded as a test case, and there are cases all round the country which are awaiting its outcome."

A judgement is expected towards the end of July.