PEOPLE at Pity Me are being urged to back the launch of a group that aims to build a safe play area for children.

The Pity Me Play Park Initiative has been formed by parents concerned at the loss of open space in the area, on the outskirts of Durham, which has seen a lot of development in recent years.

They are worried that their youngsters only have a site near a busy road for their games and they plan to set up an area costing around £108,000.

At a meeting on Wednesday, at 7pm, at the Abbey Sports Centre, they plan to adopt a constitution - and they are hoping for a big turn-out.

Treasurer Elaine Burnip, a mother of four, said the support of residents was vital to get the project off the ground.

"We need as many people to come along to the meeting and give their support. If a lot of people sign the attendance register we can show that to organisations we will seek funding from. It will show there is a need for this play area."

Mrs Burnip said the area's playground, which had swings and roundabouts, was built on a few years ago and youngsters were playing on a strip of land near the busy A167.

The group has found a site to develop and has raised £2,000 but needs another £6,000 to start work later this year.

"We need to provide a safe play area for the children this summer," said Mrs Burnip.

"We need to get the field levelled and seeded and put up fencing around it.

"It will be a lot of hard work but we are hoping it will be a nice place."

It is estimated that play equipment for the site could cost about £100,000 and the group hopes that when it is formally constituted it can apply for funding including National Lottery money.

The group has been given some play equipment from the former Brass Castle family pub at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street.

It is holding a number of fundraising events and has been given donations by Haslam Homes, Sainsbury's and the Lambton Hounds pub.