A nine-acre nature area and woodland which will enhance a Weardale village has been officially opened.

The Meadows Project was created to turn disused land in Rookhope into a major recreational site for people from the village and surrounding areas.

Work is still in progress on the grant-aided scheme, which could cost as much as £100,000, but much of the site is now open.

It is expected that it will be completed next spring and will include seats, picnic area and wildlife habitats.

The project is one of several initiatives by the St Aidan's Community Trust, which was set up three years ago to revitalise the village, and this is perhaps the most ambitious scheme.

Trust chairman Chris Jones said: "The trust has taken on the task of creating a community facility at the meadow for community use.

"In simple terms, it's a place where people can go and walk their dogs and have a picnic. It will completely enhance the area."

Already there are more than 100 species of flowers at the Meadows, while woodland and shrubs are to be planted soon by local youngsters and volunteers, and with the help of the National Probation Service.

Although the nature and woodland project is not quite complete, a Second World War re-enactment event has been held. Mr Jones said it was likely work would be ongoing as the project continues to expand.

He said: "There's a bit to do and we're not afraid of that. It should be completely up by spring next year, but there's nothing to stop people using it now.

"There will always be some sort of project going on. At the moment it has cost about £40,000 or £45,000, but we might touch £100,000."

The cost has been met mainly by grants from local community organisations, including Barclays Community Trust, County Durham Environmental Trust, The Countryside Agency and the County Durham Foundation.

Lord Foster, the former Bishop Auckland MP, officially opened the woodland.