FORMER mining communities are celebrating an early Christmas present in the form of a series of grants worth almost £200,000.

Dene Valley Community Partnership has been awarded the funding it needs to complete work on a park and play area.

Members of the partnership have been planning the improvements to a park, between Coundon Grange and Close House, for four years.

Last year, an all-purpose ball court was created and with £196,000 now secured the rest of the plans can become a reality.

Work on the final stages, which will include seating, landscaping, wildflower planting and creative play facilities, is expected to start in the New Year.

District councillor Margaret Ingledew, chairwoman of the partnership, was delighted with the grants.

She said: "We have plans for a nature trail and wetland area to encourage butterflies and wildflowers, and, hopefully, a small skateboard facility."

Dene Valley is one of 200 Doorstep Greens to be created in England under an initiative by the Countryside Agency, supported by New Opportunities Fund cash.