Eight parks across Gateshead could be set to benefit from a share of £450,000 designed to improve play facilities, under plans approved by the local authority.

Bensham Grove Park; Byermoor Park and Claravale Park in Ryton are among the parks being considered by Gateshead Council as part of the proposals. New developments will incorporate a 'natural play' concept and will be designed to offer challenging environments for local young people to play in.

Other parks included in the plans are: Caulderwood Park in Harlow Green; Beggars Wood Park in Lobley Hill; Blackhill Crescent, Springwell, Chase Park, Whickham; and Blackhall Mill, Chopwell. The plans form part of a wider £1.2m package towards work to improve Gateshead's play areas, with more than 12 sites already benefiting from renovation.

Gateshead Council's director of children and young people, Alison Walton, said: "These proposals are a key part of our efforts to ensure that all children across Gateshead have the best possible access to play opportunities."