It's just a walk, slide and skip in the park in Gateshead thanks to a £1m council scheme.

Since 2005 a number of fixed play areas in the metropolitan borough have been upgraded or introduced to give local people the chance to enjoy the outdoors nearby. Cllr Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people at Gateshead MBC, said: ‘They are an important part of the council's provision for children – it's only right that we invest and maintain them.'