ALMOST £50,000 has been set aside for the development of a sports field and play area near a new housing estate.

The money has been provided by developers of a 233- home estate on the former Aycliffe Hospital site, in School Aycliffe, as part of the agreement when planning permission was granted.

The money is to be split between Heighington Parish Council and Great Aycliffe Town Council, which get £24,625 each.

In Heighington, the money will go towards plans to develop the village sports field, recently regenerated by the parish council.

Heighington councillor Gerald Lee said: "The money will help us go forward for Sports Lottery funding, which would be matched funding.

"At the moment, we are proposing to build a changing room, upgrade the football field and have something for the kids, possibly a skateboarding facility."

Coun Lee said: "We need to make sure the parish is aware that there will be costs involved, insurance, possibly a caretaker and maintenance and upkeep of the field.

"That will have to be borne by the parish, so it is important that at some stage all these figures are put back to the parish for their approval."

In Newton Aycliffe the money will be used to extend the play area at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex.