A WIDE-RANGING programme of projects and events for the next 12 months has been unveiled by Ferryhill Town Council.

In his annual report to councillors last night, executive officer Jamie Corrigan outlined progress that had been made on the schemes proposed for the next year.

Efforts to improve the entrances to the town are to continue.

A 6ft stainless steel Davy Lamp monument, representing the town's mining heritage, is to be placed on a grass verge on the A167 entrance at Darlington Road.

The Queen's golden jubilee will be marked with a commemorative fountain in the town hall gardens, opposite the millennium sundial.

The council is to involve children from the Ferryhill youth caf steering group in designing the fountain.

The e.caf has been one of the big success stories of the past year, and the partnership work involved in making it a reality is seen as a blueprint for future projects. Further work will be done on extending the opening hours.

Work is continuing on the extension to Duncombe Cemetery. The next phase includes the construction of a car park and garden of remembrance. The council, which has Investors in People status, is to build on its programme of events, including the annual summer gala, organised in partnership with the Ferryhill 2000 committee.

The inaugural winter market will be expanded, and other events will include a five-a-side football tournament on August 24, with a Sure Start Fun Day at Mainsforth Sports Complex, when the new play equipment will be launched.

The council is to bid for a £50,000 grant for Doorstep Green status, after being successful in the first phase. This will help to fund pathways, lighting, a youth shelter, trees, a nature garden and other features, most of which should be complete by the end of the financial year.

Deputy council leader Councillor Joe Chaplin said: "We are doing more now than we have ever done before and it is ongoing as well.

"We as a council are delighted with the progress we are making, especially with the youth caf, and there are other projects such as the Surtees play area and the cemetery, which is all good news for the people of the town.