A FOOTBALL ground is the latest area to be spruced up in an ongoing environmental improvement scheme.

A new fence has been installed at Willington AFC to replace a 50 year old corrugated tin fence and tidy up the outside of the Hall Lane ground.

Pupils from Parkside Academy and Sunnybrow Primary School are working with Greater Willington Town Council, Durham County Council neighbourhood services, Civic Pride and the football club to plant bulbs and make other improvements around the town.

The council, football club and Dale and Valley Homes joint funded the £1,800 fence.

Club secretary Geoff Siddle said: "We've wanted to improve the boundary for a while but the funds have always been needed for something else, we' appreciate the help to do this work which will certainly improve the view for our neighbours.

"We are a small town club and want a good relationship with the community, we hope this makes them happy and they will continue to support us."

Mayor Fraser Tinsley said: "We have a long standing relationship with Willington AFC and always try to help out if we can.

"In recent years we have contributed towards a new lawnmower, construction of a new stand and improvements to existing facilities.

"We also sponsor the ladies team.

"The club plays an important role, at the heart of our community, and this is the least we can do, given the time and effort volunteers put into the club."