PUPILS helped plant 5,000 spring bulbs yesterday to mark the launch of a project to improve play provision for children on a housing estate.

The playing field on Hilda Park Estate, South Pelaw, is to be regenerated to improve life for children on the estate.

The project was initiated in 1996 after a group of parents expressed concern about the deterioration in children's play provision on the site adjacent to Elm Way and Lilac Grove.

The Hilda Park Action Group was set up, supported by Chester-le-Street District Council and regeneration group Groundwork West Durham, and plans for a scheme to improve the area were drawn up.

Funding took several years to raise, with £17,000 coming from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, £7,000 from Barclays SiteSavers and new play equipment was provided by the district council.

Groundwork's Susan Rose said: "We are delighted to see the results of this project after so many years of hard work by the group."

A further grant of £500 from Barclays helped pay for the bulbs, planted by pupils from Hilda Park's infant and junior schools, district council staff as well as representatives from Groundwork and Barclays Bank.