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Inclusive play equipment is set to be rolled out across several South Tyneside parks to support children with disabilities and sensory impairments.

Over the coming months, the Council will begin a programme to provide a new piece of fully accessible equipment in 11 parks and playgrounds across the Borough.

The new equipment will help to accommodate wheelchairs users and other children who have difficulties using the existing play facilities.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "We know how important play is to the health and wellbeing of our children.

"Making play accessible to all is a key priority for us which is why we have committed to installing a piece of fully accessible equipment in 11 of our children's play areas.

"We are also looking at options for adapting existing play equipment to make our play spaces as inclusive as possible for families to enjoy. We want all our children to be able to join in the fun and play together - no matter their ability."

The Council has been working with disability and community groups through a series of consultation sessions to understand their experiences and to ensure the new equipment meets the needs and wishes of those users.

Children from local special schools will also be invited to take part in a competition to design new signage to go alongside the new equipment.

Work is expected to get underway in the spring.

The parks to benefit from a new piece of fully inclusive play equipment include:

•          Carr Ellison Park, Hebburn

•          Lukes Lane Park, Hebburn

•          West Park Jarrow

•          Disco Fields, Boldon

•          Readhead Park, South Shields

•          West Park, South Shields

•          Cornthwaite, Whitburn

•          Cleadon Park, South Shields

•          Galsworthy Road, South Shields

•          Coulthard Park, Cleadon

•          Heathway, Jarrow