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: "The ball court is already a huge success. There is a real need for good facilities for young people around this area.

"The park will be somewhere for everyone. There will be things for youngsters to do and quiet seating for older residents.

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

"There will be children's seating and secure metal fencing, which we hope to add artwork to reflect the area's mining heritage."

The Countryside Agency Doorstep Green programme awarded £70,000 to the scheme. Further grants have come from Wear Valley District Council, County Durham Foundation, Barclays Sitesavers and European money.

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.

Coun Ingledew said: "It is fantastic news, especially in time for Christmas.

"It has been a long process to get the plans finalised and to finally have the funds to put them in place is very pleasing.

"We have spoken to residents and know that the plans reflect what people in Dene Valley really want and need."

The partnership will hold a Christmas party tonight, in Eldon Lane Working Men's Club, to celebrate the good news and give people another chance to see the detailed plans.

A school Christmas card competition will be judged at the party, which will include a disco, from 6pm to 8pm. Everyone from the area is invited to attend.