THE latest in a series of new leisure facilities has been opened.

A new play area for youngsters has been created at Helford Road, Peterlee, by the town council at a cost of £72,000.

It is the sixth play area the council has created in recent years. It has also provided additional equipment for a play area at Eden Lane.

And a multi-purpose sports area, which cost £50,000, has been opened at Woodhouse Park.

The all-weather area can cater for football, basketball and cricket and was completed following the opening of a pavilion and community garden earlier this year.

The town council leader, Councillor Bill Jeffrey, said: "This is an excellent facility which I am sure will be well used by visitors to the park.

"The development of the park was always a long-term project for the town council.

"But this is now really starting to take shape and the council is very pleased."