A TINY village is to have a children's playground for the first time in 60 years after securing a Government grant.

The last set of swings in Stillington village, near Stockton, were erected in the 1950s but did not survive.

But the residents' association has now won a £57,240 grant from the Government.

Work has started on a play area with swings, an adventure trail for toddlers, toddler springers, a multi-activity frame, a challenging activity net, and on upgrading the existing football pitch.

The chairwoman of the residents' association, Judith Turner, said: "The last generation of youngsters in Stillington missed out on playground facilities.

"We really felt that the village lacked facilities for our young people and we held extensive public meetings with adults, primary school children and teenagers to find out what they wanted."

Andy Whitehead, of the Rural Development Service, said: "Supporting projects of this type helps maintain rural communities."