Children are set to have a new place to enjoy as plans progress for a soft play centre in Prudhoe.

Prudhoe Waterworld is at the heart of this plan, aiming to offer a fresh space where the younger generation can play and participate in active pursuits.

This week action was taken by the county council's cabinet and they agreed to put aside a further £60,000 of funding towards this cause.

This investment comes on top of the £1.5m the council pledged last year to rejuvenate Prudhoe Waterworld.

Plans and costings for the upcoming enhancements are presently being put together.

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for improving healthy lives, voiced his support for the endeavour.

Councillor Watson said: "We have an ongoing commitment to continually improve the standards and offer of sports and leisure facilities across the county.

"This extra funding for Prudhoe is in addition to the £1.5million investment agreed last year."

He also highlighted the urgency to press ahead with purchasing and installing the new soft play equipment.

County Councillor and local ward councillor Gordon Stewart also expressed his approval, stating: "It is so important our residents have great facilities to enjoy their leisure time and physical activity.

"The leisure centre is an extremely important facility for the town and wider community, and I know the addition of a new soft play area will be really popular and bring hours of fun for families with young children."

The new soft play area is expected to launch this summer.

Over the past few years, Northumberland County Council has shown dedication to sports and leisure, committing £65m to the development of new centres and the revamp of pre-existing facilities across the county.

Prudhoe Waterworld, open since 1990, attracts around 140,000 visitors annually, offering a main and wave pool, gym, fitness studio and a cafe.

The previous soft play area was closed off last year due to ageing.

Refurbishments of the gym and studio areas have been carried out, along with an upgrade to the pool plant, adopting more energy efficient and environmentally friendly equipment.

Thanks to a £90,000 county council investment, the playpark outside Prudhoe Waterworld was rejuvenated in 2020.