CHILDREN from a County Durham school yesterday helped open a road that should lead to a brighter future for their village.

The £9.1m Chilton bypass was built by Durham County Council to reduce the volume of traffic travelling through the centre of the village.

Chilton Primary School's student council elected Chad Taylor, Erin Williams, Patrick Cairns and Chelsea Cruse to cut the ribbon at yesterday's ceremony.

They joined county councillor George Porter for the opening.

Councillor Porter said: "This is a historic occasion for the people of Chilton who have endured, since 1939 when the bypass was first proposed, an ever-increasing volume of traffic - up to 18,000 vehicles a day.

"It is just the first of three major projects that will improve Chilton."

Other plans include the relocation of Windlestone Hall School and a street improvement scheme in the centre of the village.

The benefits of the 2.3km single-carriageway, which runs to the west of Chilton from Rushyford roundabout to the A167 south of Ferryhill, are already being felt by many residents.

Chilton's mayor, Victor Collinson, said: "You can now walk in Chilton without being intimidated by large vehicles and heavy traffic.

"The bypass is in line with other developments taking place for the long-term good of the area.

"Chilton has an exciting future ahead of it."