CHLDREN at a North Durham school yesterday celebrated the official opening of a new field which will mean an end to them having to cross over a busy road to enjoy sports.

For years pupils at St Patrick's RC Voluntary Assisted School, in Consett, have had to trek across the road to reach their school playing field.

Now the school has a field on its own property - the latest of a three-phase land swap initiative, benefiting a cross-section of the community.

Yesterday, England Under- 19 footballer Ben Clark was on hand to open the playing field, followed by a sponsored fun run - the first official sports activity on the facility.

Headteacher Ted Young said: "We are really excited about this development.

"Until now, this school has never had a facility like this. It is of high quality, well prepared and has perfect dimensions.

"And it is adjacent to the school and security fenced."

He added: "We are a very sports-conscious school and are in the process of applying for the Activemark Gold award.

"The field will be used as a sporting venue and it will improve provision for playtime during school."

The school gained its field after three years of negotiations involving Durham County Council, Derwentside District Council, Enterprise 5 Housing Association and Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association, with support from the local bowls club.

The new field is the second of the three phases. The first involved new bungalows for Durham Aged Miners, the third will be a sheltered housing scheme by Enterprise 5.

In addition the overall scheme has included the refurbishment of the pavilion, bowling greens and tennis courts on nearby Sherburn Park.

County councillor Clive Robson, a member of the school governing body, has been closely involved with the project.

Coun Robson said: "The school now has a much improved playing surface and provides a safer environment for the children.

"Clearly the sheltered accommodation and the new bungalows are major developments within the whole scheme, but none of this would have been possible without the partnership between St Patrick's School and Durham County Council.