First new park in a century opens

Darlington residents are celebrating the official opening of their town's first park in more than a century.

West Park on the edge of the town near Faverdale, features artworks, including a sculpture, alongside the trees.

To mark Tuesday's opening developer Tony Cooper and Darlington Borough Council have invited 150 local children to enjoy a picnic in the park.

The park is part of the West Park development of 700 new homes, a new primary school and NHS hospital.

The council hopes to develop the park over time and build a visitors' centre.

The town's mayor Stella Robson and other guests will be given a guided tour of the park and a barbecue will be held later in their honour.