A CHILDREN'S activity area will provide youngsters in Darlington with a place to meet and play games.

The play area at Headingley Crescent, was opened yesterday by local councillors and youngsters from Red Hall Junior School.

The Headingley Crescent play area is the second of four playgrounds to be renewed this year as part of a £110,000 programme to improve play facilities in Darlington.

Local children, parents and the residents' association helped to design the play area, which has a multi-activity frame, seesaw and swings, a basketball area, football posts and a shelter for teenagers to congregate.

A play area at Holgate Moor, on the Firthmoor estate, opened earlier in the summer and two further play areas are planned for later this year.

Darlington borough councillor Chris McEwan said: "This to me is an excellent example of improving facilities for young people working in partnership with local residents of all ages."