TWO children have helped to open a £780,000 road they hope will improve their town's future.

Joanne Carlyle and Andrew Cox, both 11, joined North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong and Durham County Council leader Don Robson to open the road which completes Consett's southern bypass.

The road links Park Road with the new Genesis industrial development, designed to attract new businesses to the town.

It is built on the site of the town's former steel works, where the children's fathers used to work.

Joanne and Andrew both attend St Mary's RC Primary School in Blackhill.

Councillor Robson said: "The new road will greatly benefit everyone who uses Consett town centre."