AN MP has hailed new sporting facilities built in a former pit village as a big boost to the community.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones praised the long-awaited Craghead Community Park, funded by Barclays Spaces for Sport, which features a multi-purpose pitch in a park setting.

Barclays Spaces for Sports is a three-year, £30m community sponsorship programme to create and improve sports facilities in communities across the country and brings together the bank with Groundwork and the Football Foundation.

At the opening, Mr Jones said: "Not only will the project encourage people to take up sport and improve their health, it will also bring people together and strengthen community spirit. This is a fantastic facility for young people and residents from the local area."

The project aims to have the new park used for a long time to come and will provide coaching kit and equipment to encourage residents to take part and get the most out of the new facilities.

Kath Ivens, senior project officer at Groundwork West Durham, said: "Our experience shows that people really value the opportunity to have a say in improving their neighbourhoods and make them better places to live, work and play.

"Getting involved in these projects gives people confidence and makes us all feel proud of where we live.''

Karen Swainston, Braclays' regional liaison manager, said: "Barclays Spaces for Sports will create hundreds of new sports sites up and down the country.

"Our aim is to have a significant and long-lasting impact on local communities and grassroots sport throughout the UK for many years to come.''