THEY were too young to understand, but yesterday dozens of Bishop Auckland children were celebrating the success of a government project to give disadvantaged youngsters a better start in life.

All that mattered to the smallest residents of the Woodhouse Close estate was making the most of a £120,000 playground designed and built for them.

Since contractors finished two weeks ago, the playground has been a place for families to enjoy.

Named after community worker Jane Armstrong, it is the first major success of a Sure Start programme targeting children under four in Woodhouse Close, South Church, Henknowle, St Helen Auckland and part of West Auckland.

Sure Start helped pay for the playground and got parents and children to help with the design.

Jane led a "toddle waddle" around the outside yesterday before leading children through the gates.

Her sister-in-law, North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong, recently appointed Government Chief Whip, said: "This is Jane's day.

"I am very proud that people have recognised the work that she has been doing and that the families she has worked with decided to call it the Jane Armstrong Park.

"I was involved in setting up the whole idea of Sure Start and getting it going.

"We have a responsibility in Government to make sure that we provide for families and their children and give them the best possible start in life."