RESIDENTS reaped the rewards of a four-year campaign when they celebrated the opening of a £120,000 play area.
The Park House Play Area, in Lanchester, came about after local people joined the parish council in raising money for community facilities, forming the Lanchester Parklife group.
After Lanchester Parish Council contributed £60,000, the North Pennines Leader Programme and the Countryside Agency Vital Villages each gave further donations of £25,000.
The play area was established behind Station Road, and, as well as providing somewhere for children to play, is designed as a meeting point for parents and child carers.
There are also plans to install equipment for teenagers in the future.
The campaign was prompted by the removal of play equipment in the village, after Derwentside District Council condemned it as dangerous.
The opening at the weekend included live music, circus skills workshops, bugs and beasts exhibits, face painting and refreshments.
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