FAMILIES who formed an action group to improve their neighbourhood have secured cash for two facilities for local children.

A play area and a sports court are to be created on a disused playing field at Middlestone Moor, in Spennymoor.

Sedgefield Borough Council has pledged about £70,000 for traditional playground equipment including swings, a climbing frame and spring rockers.

A £35,000 multi-use games area is being funded through the Barclays' Spaces for Sports grant scheme, a partnership with Groundwork and the Football Foundation.

The games area will be a fenced mini sports court suitable for five-a-side football and basketball.

Support has also come from Durham County Council, which has promised to install new footpaths and street lights.

The scheme has been spearheaded by the Middlestone Moor Action Reform Group-formed by residents of the housing estate to improve road safety, keep the streets clean and trouble free and organise community activities.

About three years ago, the group launched the campaign to reinstate play equipment on a former playground and sports field, which had been removed in the 1990s.

Russell Stewart, chairman of the group, said: "It has been a long process but one we hope will be worth it.

"The equipment and games area are going to be available to all children on this estate and locally, who have literally nothing else.

"There are no other sites within safe walking distance for children and it will mean a lot to them to have something new and exciting.

"It must also be healthy to get them outside on the equipment or playing sports."

To secure the cash for the scheme, Groundwork East Durham carried out a feasibility study proving residents wanted the development off Central Drive, which is enclosed by houses.

Project manager Stephen Armstrong, of Groundwork, said: "Our experience shows that people really value the opportunity to have a say in improving their neighbourhoods and make them better places to live, work and play.

"Getting involved in these projects gives people confidence and makes us all feel proud of where we live."