CHILDREN in a County Durham village could have a new play area by this summer.

The Cornforth partnership is waiting for the outcome of a grant application before starting work on phase two of the scheme at the village's community park.

The group heard before Christmas that the National Lottery's charity board had awarded it just over £58,000.

Now the partnership is hoping to hear it has received matched funding from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust later this month.

Phase one of the scheme was completed last April.

For phase one, the BMX track was taken out and vandalised equipment taken away and replaced with modern surfacing and play equipment for toddlers, dog-proof fencing, railings and a new footpath.

The most popular piece of equipment is an aerial slide, known locally as the death slide.

Ray Sunman, of the Cornforth Partnership, said: "The design of the equipment was very much something the community did itself.

"The end result of phase one was very well received, particularly over the summer, and everybody wanted us to get on and put the junior play area in."

As well as the equipment for older children, there will also be bollards to deter vandals. Landscaping work will be carried out.

The scheme will go out to tender as soon as the money is secured and, if all goes according to plan, the new equipment should be in place in time for the school holidays in the summer.