YOUNGSTERS are celebrating after being awarded a grant of almost £30,000 to transform the backyard of their caf.

The Ferryhill e.caf has proved a tremendous success, but members have been unable to use the yard for safety reasons.

Ferryhill Town Council has now secured funding to allow the yard to be refurbished.

The yard, and a lane leading up to it, are to be resurfaced, a wall will be built and two gates installed. There will also be a garden and a recreation area.

Jamie Corrigan, executive officer at the town council, said: "The yard had not been maintained for years before we took it over."

Work will start next month and will be completed by April.

Funding of £27,000 has been secured, with £1,000 in kind being donated by the town council.

The grant is part of a £150,000 award for four schemes.

Mr Corrigan said: "The four projects are going to cost £230,000, but it is only costing the town council about £15,000 because of the success we have had with grants."