THE first phase of a multi-million pound scheme to revamp a picturesque Darlington park will get under way next week.

South Park is to be restored to its former Victorian glory in the £3.9m project unveiled by Darlington Borough Council.

A full ecological survey of the park has been carried out by council workers, with the backing of English Heritage and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The first part of the work will begin on Monday, with repairs made to park railings and entrances, as well as a maintenance programme involving 1,200 trees.

Further plans for the park include restoring the bandstand and terracotta fountain, refurbishing the lake, creating a sensory garden, improving public access, building educational facilities and restoring the caf.

It is hoped that the restoration and development work will be completed by next summer. The park will remain open to the public.

Councillor Eleanor Lister said: "The renovation of South Park is a very exciting programme and will offer residents and visitors to Darlington somewhere special to enjoy their leisure time.

"The new features and facilities being introduced in the park, combined with the work being done to restore Victorian features, will ensure South Park is a real asset to Darlington."