A Darlington park could get a facelift this year if the Government approves a refurbishment scheme.

Councillors are expected to agree today to apply to the Government's New Opportunities Fund (NOF) for more than £265,000 for a revamp of North Lodge Park in the town centre.

Darlington has already secured the cash from the fund but needs approval to spend the full amount on an extensive refurbishment of the park.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said a decision from NOF was expected at the end of January.

If approved, a more detailed application will be submitted and the cash will be released in the summer and must be spent before March 2007.

Darlington was allocated the funding after it was identified as one of 51 disadvantaged areas in the country which have received less than their fair share of Lottery cash since 1995.

The money must be used on environmental projects which enhance quality of life of communities and improve the appearance of the locality.