YOUNGSTERS have been encouraged to get involved with the regeneration of their local estate.

Housing Hartlepool has asked children in the Burbank area of town to submit ideas for after-school leisure activities and facilities.

Eddie Price, resident participation officer at Housing Hartlepool, said: "We wanted to find out how the children's views fitted in with those of adults.

"We got lots of good suggestions, and all of these will be passed on to the organisations that are involved in bringing about improvements to the Burbank area.

"Ideas were wide-ranging and included a golf facility, community park and a swimming pool."

The schools involved held award ceremonies where the children with the best ideas received prizes.

The winners from each school will be entered into a joint competition with schools in the Burbank and Dyke House areas competing for the annual Community Action Trust Award, which will be presented later in the year.