A NEW play area for special needs children has been launched.
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venture Scouts and leaders from the Durham district raised £6,835 for the area, provided by Durham City Council.
Aimed at children with little or no mobility, it has been established at Wharton Park, and includes a special Rainbow wide slide, a log rail with handrails, a chime barrier, "oxo" barrier, a low ball game and zigzag parallel bars.
The donation from the Beaver Scouts also paid for safety tiles.
On Monday, Beavers, Cubs, special needs children and council staff gathered at the area for the installation of a plaque.
Pat Wilkinson, assistant commissioner of Durham District Beaver Scouts, said: "We decided that we wanted to provide something for local, non-mobile children, knowing how important it is for children to be able to play in a safe environment.
"There are some lovely parks in Durham, but none for special needs children and their brothers and sisters to play in together.
"Originally, we expected to raise around £2,000, but with the enthusiastic support of all sections of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, we raised almost £7,000."
Peter Lee, of Durham City Council's grounds maintenance, said: "This is a major new asset for Durham City, and we were delighted to mark its opening with a special plaque.
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