THREE major new attractions at a popular countryside park in Hartlepool have moved a step closer to becoming reality.

Construction work has started on a junior adventure and fitness area for eight to 13-year-olds, which is based on a fort design, another play area for younger children and a cross-country trim trail at the town's Summerhill Park.

The trim trail is a one-and-a-half-mile cross-country route featuring various pieces of apparatus combining fitness and fun.

The 100-acre Summerhill site, off Catcote Road, is being developed by Hartlepool Borough Council for sports, outdoor pursuits and conservation.

Part of a £934,228 National Lottery grant awarded by Sport England, along with funding from the council, is being used to finance the developments, which are expected to be up and running early in the new year.