AN EAST Durham community will be celebrating the completion of improvements to a village recreation area.

Hawthorn Parish Council will hold a launch event to mark the opening of their in Hawthorn, near Seaham, from noon to 2pm on Saturday December 3.

The site will be officially opened by Councillor David Boyes and members of Hawthorn Mother and Toddler Group.

There will be an afternoon of fun activities on the site at Belmont Avenue, Hawthorn and in Hawthorn Community Centre.

The project cost £80,525, with funding secured from Durham County Council Play Builder Fund and the Community Spaces programme.

It was developed by Hawthorn Mother and Toddler Group, Hawthorn Parish Council and Groundwork North East.

The project has created a more accessible and attractive space by improving the play opportunities available, using a mix of equipment and natural play. An improved space has also been created for football and other sports on the site.