THE Mayor of Great Aycliffe has visited a play area in the village, following a £50,000 improvement.

Councillor Val Raw was joined by Aycliffe Village councillor John Dormer to inspect the new facilities.

The play area was given a complete overhaul after the previous facilities for youngsters became outdated.

The plans were drawn up following consultation with residents of Aycliffe Village, and capital funding from Great Aycliffe Town Council was used.

New climbing frames have been erected, while goalposts have been put up and fresh tarmac and seating laid.

More work will be carried out in the spring, and Coun Dormer said that he was impressed with what he had seen.

"It's been a good few years since the equipment in the village has been updated," he said.

"Tastes and safety standards change.

"We've got a project to update all of the equipment over a period, and we'll be doing further work in the village."