VILLAGERS were celebrating yesterday as a three-year campaign to open a play park for their children was completed.

The Ludworth Fun Zone was officially opened yesterday, providing a well-equipped play area for children in the former pit village on the outskirts of Durham City. Seven pieces of equipment have been installed in the soft-surfaced play area, including swings and roundabouts, climbing frame and rocking toys, as well as picnic tables and is designed to appeal to youngsters aged from three to 11.

The opening ceremony was the culmination of years of hard work by the community group Ludworth Green Space.

Spokeswoman Gina Hall said: "After three-and-half years of hard work, we are delighted to see the project completed.

"The fun zone is bringing much-need facilities to the area for younger people.

"It's been a long journey, and it's with a lot of help that we have been able to reach this stage. We've worked together with residents, Ludworth Community Association and Ludworth Primary School to hopefully create the kind of play area that the village wanted to see and will be able to use."

The group is now turning its attention to providing facilities for older children and teenagers and hopes to encourage more residents to volunteer to help with future projects.

The Fun Zone was named by youngsters from the village's primary and nursery school.

It has been paid for with £20,000 from Durham City Council's Flourishing Communities Fund, and £18,848 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.