A STONE and plaque were unveiled yesterday to mark the official opening of a new community green and play area.

The ceremony was the culmination of a five-year campaign by residents to transform unused land in New Herrington, near Sunderland, into an attractive place for children to play.

The £600,000 New Herrington Doorstep Green and Home Zone scheme includes walkways, pieces of sculpture, feature paving, shrubs and grasses, and a secure play area.

Although funded by a number of organisations, the driving force behind the scheme has been the community body, The Square Route Group.

Group treasurer Elizabeth Brioude said: "We always believed we would create this wonderful open space, but to finally see it finished really brings it home.

"We are tremendously proud of our achievements but could never have done it without the help and support of our funders."

She added: "We are delighted residents can now look out of their homes and see an attractive, landscaped area, feel reassured knowing their children have somewhere safe and secure to play and that they have an outdoor space they can enjoy all year round."

MP Fraser Kemp, Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Bob Symonds and culture and leisure spokesman Coun Mel Speding and Paddy Bell, the square's oldest resident, performed the ceremony, which was followed by a day of activities for children to mark the opening.