CHILDREN on Teesside can look forward to a fun-filled future, thanks to two new playground developments.

Work to build a play area in south Middlesbrough started with the cutting of the first sod.

Meanwhile, just a few miles away in Hemlington, another playground was officially unveiled by Councillor Nicky Walker and Roary the Lion, Middlesbrough Football Club's mascot.

The Hemlington play area, off Cass House Road, was designed by Middlesbrough Borough Council's landscape and countryside development team, and cost £115,000 to build.

It features modern equipment for children of all ages, including swings, a roundabout, a giant tower with a chute, and a "talking Space Bob".

The other project - the £120,000 Kader play area - will be built on open land adjacent to the Kader Youth and Community Centre.

It will include swings, a roundabout, a tower and slides.

Ken Hall, a ward councillor for the area, welcomed the start of work as excellent news for youngsters.

Councillor Hall said: "The play area will be a tremendous boost for children in the area, especially because it's so close to the youth centre.

"It will offer youngsters of all ages a stimulating environment on their doorstep."

The completion of the play area in November will mark the fourth children's facility to be provided by Middlesbrough council within recent months. Robert Smith, another ward councillor, said he was relieved sufficient money had been found to guarantee the project