A COMMUNITY which has fought to create a communal park has unveiled its latest project.

Thousands of pounds and hours of hard work have been poured into making Middlewood Green in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, a meeting place for different generations.

An action group was formed to transform derelict grassland into a haven for youngsters and the elderly and, since work started in 2000, the area has blossomed.

Yesterday, members of the Middlewood Green Action Group unveiled the latest addition to the park - a new youth shelter.

Chairman of the group Councillor Sonny Douthwaite said that the shelter, which was designed and built by international artist Graeme Hopper, was needed to provide youngsters with somewhere to sit and chat and enjoy the rest of the park's facilities.

He said: "This will give the youths somewhere to go rather than hanging around outside people's houses and on street corners.

"This whole project means a great deal to the village. The shelter provides somewhere to sit and enjoy the facilities we now have here and enjoy the surrounding view.''

Coun Douthwaite said the group hopes to provide more seating and picnic tables so residents can enjoy the park during the summer.

So far, more than £200,000 has been spent on Middlewood Green, which has a ball park, skate park, a play park and a large green.

Money for the project has come from a variety of funds, including the Single Regeneration Budget, European funding and Wear Valley District Council.

It has been backed by Groundwork West Durham.

Chairman of Wear Valley District Council Alex Clements declared the youth shelter open, saying it was a facility wanted by young people for some time.

He said: "The people of St Helens should be proud of what they have achieved.

"It has been known as a deprived area but, with new developments, things are on the up and long may it continue.''