FERRYHILL Town Council has secured a £5,000 grant for two new youth shelters on King George V playing field.

The cash is from the Durham Police Authority and the project is a joint venture between them and the town council.

The shelters will form part of phase two of the redevelopment of the field, which has already attracted funding of more than £50,000.

Work on the playing area will include the installation of lighting, footpaths, fencing, safety surfacing, a BMX track and planting.

Ferryhill Town Council's executive officer Jamie Corrigan said: "Shelters have been proved to reduce anti-social behaviour in areas they're installed and we're delighted to get the money to complete them."

Council leader Joe Chaplin said: "The shelters will take the youngsters off the street corners and give them somewhere to congregate, rather than round the houses. I think it's a good idea."

And he said the work on the playing field as a whole was going well, adding: "I would think by this time next year it will be completed and I think it will be a smashing asset to the community."