AN ancient duck pond in the centre of a village has been illuminated.

Work to light up a fountain is now complete at the Norton centrepiece and the lights were turned on for the first time at a ceremony.

Plans to revamp the site were drawn up last year and residents and local businesses were consulted on enhancements for the pond, which dates back to the 1100s.

Eighty-five per cent of those who responded were in favour of the proposals, which included removing the late-1960s concrete plinth which had began to crumble.

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust was consulted on the welfare of the ducks, and said that the changes would benefit the wildlife.

The work on the pond, which cost £5,000, was carried out by the council's Care For Your Area highway maintenance team, in partnership with Fountains Direct Limited.

The fountain will be illuminated between 6.00pm and 11.00pm.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "This historic duck pond will be enhanced with the lights and work that has taken place and this is another example of the environmental improvements that have been made to the village over the past few years."