WORK has started on improving a newly-created park.

Developments at the £600,000 Tees Heritage Park, in the south Stockton area, include: New steps, handrail and platform at one of the water bodies in the reserve; Improvements to paths in and around an area known as Black Bobbies Field.

Improvements to the footpath link between Ingleby Barwick and Thornaby, including step improvements.

Measures to tackle localised flooding by installing a boardwalk and ramped surface up to the footbridge in Preston Park.

The Tees Heritage Park, which is mainly along the Tees between Stockton and Yarm, has been supported by British Waterways, the Environment Agency, Groundwork NorthEast and Stockton Borough Council.

The project has been funded through the Community Spaces programme, part ofthe Lottery. The Friends of Tees Heritage Park also successfully applied for almost £450,000 from the Lottery some of which is being used for the improvements.

Artwork designed by youngsters in Stockton will be displayed at locations around the park in the coming months.