H'Angus enjoyed a fun-packed morning last week when he popped along to open the brand new children's adventure play area at Saltholme.

The monkey mascot was joined by Year 2 pupils from St Aidan's Primary School as he made the most of the top class play area.

Already at the Saltholme site, which is situated on the A178 between Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, is a wildlife reserve and a discovery park.

And now visitors to Saltholme will have to extend their stay to take advantage of the brand new play area.

The timber wildlife-themed adventure play area includes a zig-zag beam, climbing net, clatterbridge, jelly board and even a Saltholme tree house.

Emily Smith, Saltholme's visitor and promotions officer, said;

"We are so excited that the play area is finally opening.

"We have watched it develop over the last few months, waiting for the surface to be just right for our young visitors to use. Now it's ready, we can't wait to open the gates.

"There are more than 20 different pieces of equipment for children to have a go on. I promise to try and keep the other staff out so our visitors actually get to have a go!"

Saltholme's younger visitors, and those who are young at heart, will be able to try out the adventure play area which was officially opened by H'Angus last week.