A COMMUNITY in Darlington is celebrating after £300,000 was promised to transform a run-down park over the next three years.

News of the funding comes after a long campaign by councillors and the Friends of North Park.

A host of new facilities will be provided - and people of all ages will be asked what they would like.

Work could start as early as next year on the project, which will be funded by Darlington Borough Council.

Coun Bill Holmes, who is vice-chairman of the Friends of North Park, used to play in the park as a child and has led calls for investment.

He said: "I played in the park as a child. Back then it had that era's play equipment, but the park looked and felt a lot nicer than it does now.

"The money will be spent on a multitude of things and we are going to talk to residents, including children and older people to find out what they want in the park."

North Park has been improved since falling into a state of disrepair several years ago.

Word done includes new benches and improvements to the gardens. Closed circuit television has been also installed to protect the park from vandalism.

In the past year, more than £20,000 has been spent making it a youth-friendly zone, with a games and activity area. There are also several shelters for young people to congregate safely.

The new money is being ploughed into the park as part of the recently-agreed Local Area Agreement (LAA) - a three-year deal designed to encourage local groups to work together for the community.

There is £600,000 available under the LAA to improve Darlington's parks and the North Park scheme is the first use of this funding.

Play facilities for youngsters in the park will be enhanced, and Darlington Borough Council is asking people what else they want to see in the area. More than 180 people completed surveys about the park at a recent fun day and those views will be taken into account.