Charlie's Phoenix from the Flames

Children in Jarrow will benefit from a new play structure at Charlie's Park it has been announced.

The much-loved Anglo-Saxon ship at Charlie's Park (also known as Drewetts Park and near Jarrow Hall) was partially destroyed by a suspected arson attack in January. Cllr Ed Malcolm, Lead Member for Resources and Innovation at South Tyneside Council announced in his budget speech that the boat and flooring that surrounds it will be replaced this financial year.

Cllr Ed Malcolm said: "It is a disgrace that mindless vandals have taken this much-loved facility from the children of Jarrow. I'm pleased to announce that the order is in and the structure will be replaced in the coming months, in time for the summer.

"The ship has been a firm favourite of families for a decade, and news of the fire caused an outpouring of upset and anger. I hope the new structure will bring as much joy as the previous one did."

The ship is the centrepiece of the play park which sits between Jarrow Hall and St Paul's Church, off Church Bank which opened in 2010.