A PARK in north Durham has been given a makeover by criminals as part of their punishment.

The group, organised by the Probation Service, recently spent a week eradicating graffiti and painting play equipment and pavilion at Addison Park in Meadowfield.

Materials were provided by Durham County Council and the work was carried by those sentenced to community service orders by courts.

Neighbourhood Warden Kay Hughes said: "One of the most important things we can do is provide safe, happy and clean environments for children to play in and I am really pleased with the make over.

"We have been targeting the park for a while, clamping down on anti social behaviour, litter, fly tipping and dog fouling.

"Now, local residents have an action group which hopes to carry out further improvements."

Friends of Addison Park Chairman John Muirhead said the park, which was donated to the residents of Meadowfield and Browney in the 1930’s, had become run down but people want it restored further.

He said: "We are a group of enthusiastic people who have got together and, with help from the county council, intend to restore and rejuvenate the park to a place where people of all ages can come and enjoy themselves."

The group has already applied for a number of grants which they hope to use to restore the park to its former glory in the near future.