RESTORATION plans for a park have taken a step forward with the appointment of a ranger.

Tony Raine will take up the post at Ropner Park, Stockton, co-ordinating the day-to-day management of the Victorian site which has been placed on the Historic Parks and Gardens Register.

The ranger post has also been part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The fund is expected to make a final decision on Stockton Borough Council's plans for a £3.5m restoration in the autumn.

The project will involve the restoration of the historical features such as the bandstand, fountain, entrance gates and lake, as well as new schemes including provision of a park pavilion with cafe and toilets.

Martin Jenkins, parks and countryside officer at the council, said: "The appointment of a park ranger is key to the successful regeneration of the park and is something that local residents and park users have been keen to see for several years."

The park ranger will be looking to develop links with local residents and schools, and will also work closely with the recently developed Ropner Park Friends group.