A COMMUNITY'S five-year dream of transforming a bare field into a children's playground is set to become a reality.

Stanley Crook Village Association has campaigned for new play equipment since the village's old swings were taken down almost six years ago.

After years of planning and fund-raising, the association is celebrating news that the plans to redevelop an existing recreation ground have been approved.

The decision by Wear Valley District Council's development control to approve planning permission was the final hurdle for the group before work can start on the site, in Jobson Terrace.

The first phase of work to be carried out will feature play equipment suitable for young children, with landscaping and a seating area. Further work to be carried out to the north of the site, farthest away from the village, will be for older youths and could include an all-purpose sports pitch and skating facilities.

Coun Maurice Scott, ward councillor for Stanley, has been involved in the campaign to improve facilities for youngsters since it started.

He said: "This is tremendous for Stanley Crook. Almost everyone in the village has been fully behind the proposals from day one.

"The need for some good facilities for young people is evident, it was the children who started to ask if a new play area could be created and they met with MP Hilary Armstrong to gain her support.

"The association has worked very hard for this and will be thrilled their hard work is backed by the council."

A series of grants were secured by the Association for the project including an £18,000 Single Regeneration Budget grant and £5432 of North Pennine Leader Plus funding for areas affected by foot and mouth disease.

It also hopes bids for £7,500 and £10,000, from the County Durham Foundation and Neighbourhood Renewal Fund respectively will be successful.

Environmental agency Groundwork West Durham has worked with residents, and district council architects to design the recreation ground.

Greenstart programme co-ordinator Debbie Ingoldsby said: "Now we've got planning permission we can started on creating a facility that the whole community wants.

"It has been wonderful to see the residents pull together."