A GAMES wall for children is to be built as part of a drive to improve facilities in a run-down area.

The vandal-proof wall will be built in the yard of Pallion Primary School, in Sunderland, at a cost of £52,000 from the fifth round of the area's Single Regeneration Budget.

It will have sections on it for sports including tennis, cricket, basketball and football and will be used by pupils during the day, and at night by the public.

John Ford, assistant coordinator for the Focus on Ford and Pallion Regeneration Programme, said: "For some time there has been a lack of facilities for children in the area.

"This is by no means the answer to that shortage, but it is a start.

"By providing this, we hope children and parents alike will see we are serious about improving facilities for young people across the area."

To ensure safety, the wall will be floodlit and will be situated directly under the office of the community police team who are at the school.

Mr Ford said: "Providing good facilities for children in the area is important, but keeping them safe is a priority.

"Not only are we giving children in the area a much-needed facility, but we are also giving parents peace of mind that we are doing everything possible to keep their children safe.

"We are convinced the games wall will be a great success and the start of improved provision for young people in Ford and Pallion."

The structure should be completed by the end of the year.