TWO schoolpals fed up with the state of their local playground went straight to the top to demand action.

Prestwich Community High pupils Sophie Mahon and Charlotte Hickey wrote to their MP Ivan Lewis complaining about the lack of facilities in Kershaw Avenue park, in Carr Clough.

The 13-year-olds conducted a survey of residents, asking them what they would like to see on the site, and invited Mr Lewis along to see for himself.

The two friends, who live nearby in Grundy Avenue and Carr Avenue, met Mr Lewis and councillors Maggie Gibb, Keith Grime and Steve Treadgold and handed over their findings.

Coun Maggie Gibb said: "I think the initiative shown by Sophie and Charlotte is brilliant. It is now up to us to get a scheme together to provide a safer and more friendly place for children of all ages. The girls' ideas will certainly be taken into account when the park is redesigned."

Town hall bosses had already earmarked Kershaw Avenue park for improvement and intend to work with the girls to create the right facilities for young people.

The girls, who thought of the idea as part of a school project, revealed the park needed better lighting and more play equipment.

Sophie's mum, Mrs Natalie Partington, said: "The park is in such a state. The fencing is diabolical, there are only four pieces of apparatus and dogs foul the grass. I am so proud and over the moon for the girls, for what they have done and for the response they have had. They are at an age when they should be allowed a bit of freedom, but I don't feel that they would be safe in the park as it is."

The girls were so determined to see through their project they even took part in a sponsored run to raise money for the materials and stationery they needed.

Mr Lewis added: "I am delighted Sophie and Charlotte have shown responsibility for the area in which they live. I know that their voices will be heard in the town hall."