PARK users helping ducks to follow a healthier eating regime have funded their own food area.

The Friends of South Park group has run a campaign to ask visitors to feed the ducks a healthier alternative to bread.

The 18-month campaign has included the friends group selling packages of birdseed and grain from the park's revamped cafe.

More than 1,000 packets have been sold. The income has funded the purchase of picnic tables, which have been installed near the cafe.

Marmax Prodcuts Ltd, of Stanley, has provided the tables, which are made from recycled plastic bottles.

John Throw, chairman of the friends group, said: "We had no idea just how successful this campaign would be. It has been amazing and we have been able to purchase these picnic tables so much quicker than we thought.

"We have got healthier ducks as well as new places for people to sit, have a picnic and enjoy a fabulous park. The campaign will continue and we are looking at all sorts of other initiatives in South Park."

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "The friends group has made a tremendous contribution to the park, particularly since its revamp, and this has been another innovative scheme that will help improve the visitor experience."