THE annual meeting of Sedgefield Friends of Hardwick Park reported a satisfactory year in which there had been a small increase in membership.

Chairman Jack Glendinning reported the grant of funds by Historic Libraries for the publication of a book on the history of the park.

He said that the committee continued to work in partnership with Durham Country Council on the park restoration and was delighted at the progress.

The Friends are awaiting the result of a National Lottery grant bid and hoped work on the restoration would start this year.

Tony Smith, Countryside Manager for Durham County Council, gave an updated report on progress. All officials were re-elected