AMBITIOUS plans to create a play area for disabled children are going well, according to community leaders.

Thousands of pounds have been secured for the creation of the facility in Darlington.

The idea was first mooted nearly two years ago, when a review group was set up by the borough council to look into potential sites.

After a series of consultations with parents, youngsters and disability action groups, a £105,000 project was drawn up for North Lodge Park - and the scheme is now moving closer to becoming a reality.

Grants of £50,000 from the Government's Sure Start programme, £20,000 from the Children's Fund and £10,000 from the Early Years Childcare and Development Partnership have already been secured. The proposed play area would be the town's first integrated site for both disabled and able-bodied youngsters.

In a joint report to councillors, social services director Margaret Asquith and community services director Cliff Brown outline the progress so far.

The report states: "The overall aim of the review group was to look at the authority's approach to providing outdoor integrated play facilities, which provide non-discriminatory opportunities for children with a range of disabilities to play with their friends and siblings.

"All children will have opportunities to play on a range of equipment designed to offer them variety, choice, challenge, exploration and fun."

Money from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund could go a long way towards completing the scheme.

The issue is due to be discussed by councillors on Monday.

The report says: "Further opportunities to fund the shortfall are being pursued, including investigating the feasibility of using the grant allocated to the council from the New Opportunity Fund's Transforming Your Space initiative."

The scheme has already won praise from Kidsactive, the national charitable organisation set up six years ago to meet the needs of disabled children.

If it is successful, the project would aid the campaign to improve North Lodge Park.