A BLAZE that destroyed a children's play area was started by two children aged six and 12.

Police have confirmed that two youngsters have been questioned about the fire at Hackworth Park in Shildon earlier this month.

The six-year-old is too young to face any sort of court prosecution and a decision is yet to be made as to what action can be taken against the 12-year-old.

The fire caused about £25,000 worth of damage to the toddlers' playground, forcing the facility to be closed to the public.

But last night, Shildon Town Council vowed that the playground would be up and running as soon as possible.

Town clerk Mick Waterson said: "We are all astonished that the fire was caused by two children who are so young.

"To think that they could have caused so much damage is unbelievable.

"There are a lot of disappointed parents with young children who have been calling the council to ask when it will be repaired and we are hopeful that it will be up and running as soon as possible.

"We have had a damage assessment carried out and are now just waiting for insurance.''

The park was built with a £30,000 grant from the government's SureStart initiative, and was designed for children up to the age of four, who are now left without anywhere suitable to play.

PC Simon Cowan, from Shildon police, said that the fire had been particularly upsetting for youngsters who had turned up with their parents to find the park closed.

He said: "Children were turning up with their parents and when they realised what was happening they were walking away in tears.

"The ages of the two young children involved is very disappointing because they have destroyed something that was designed with them and their peers in mind and it is other children who are suffering.''

PC Cowan also confirmed that he had called for health and safety checks into the huge climbing frame which was destroyed.

He said: "I am very concerned at how quickly the equipment burned.

"We know there was no accelerant used so I have asked for the health and safety executive to carry out an investigation."