A SERIES of events to explain the past, present and future of one of the North-East's Victorian parks takes place next month.

Saltwell Park in Gateshead is undergoing a £9.6m restoration, backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to restore it to its former glory.

As part of national history week, which begins on May 4, Gateshead Council has organised three free events - a guided walk outlining the progress of the restoration scheme and two talk and slide shows on the park's history.

Park manager Steve Palmer leads the walk, from the North-East entrance, on Tuesday May 7, at 6pm. It is expected to last about two hours.

Places must be booked either through Gateshead Quays Visitor Centre, on 0191-477 5380, or Gateshead central library, on 0191-477 3478.

On Wednesday, May 8, Mr Palmer will give a talk and slide show at the Shipley Gallery, Prince Consort Road, at 12.30pm, and at the St Mary's Church visitor centre, on the south side of the Tyne Bridge, at 7.30pm.

Details of 30 history week events in the borough are available from Anthea Long, the council's local studies librarian, on 0191-477 3478.