A NEW tea garden in Hartlepool was given a special seal of approval - by some of the town's youngsters.

The tea service has been started by the Friends of Rossmere Park. It will be provided from a new building, which has been built in the park using money from the European Regional Development Fund.

The opening ceremony was performed by some of the local children who played a special role in the tea garden plans. They were Kaylee and David Bell, of Argyll Road, and Stephen and Stuart McTeer, of Alloa Grove, both Hartlepool.

The youngsters suggested creating a cafe in the park several years ago, and were so excited about the idea that they sold some of their toys to help start the fundraising for the project with a £1 donation.

Bernadette Bloom, of the Friends of Rossmere Park, said: "The children's action was such a lovely gesture. They clearly felt they were investing in the future. We have never forgotten this, and we were delighted to be able to welcome them to officially open the tea garden.