VISITORS to one of the region's biggest fireworks displays are being urged to contribute to a multi-million pound refurbishment of Darlington's Victorian South Park.

The scheme to restore the park was unveiled last year, and part of the plan to raise the near-£4m needed was to appeal for funding from the public.

This would not only contribute to the matched funding needed for the £2.5m heritage National Lottery grant, but it would also help the bid by showing there is public interest in the park.

The total amount estimated to be needed from the public, which will include donations from businesses, is £300,000.

Initially, it was suggested that there should be public subscription to the park, but that has proved difficult to organise.

Instead, the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Dorothy Long, is appealing for donations to the South Park fund.

Tomorrow, more than 100,000 people are expected to attend the annual fireworks display in the park, and Darlington Borough Council is hoping people will give generously.

Large bins will be placed at the entrances to the park, into which people are being asked to put their donations. As a result of public consultations carried out on the park since 1996, there are a number of aims for the refurbishment.

These include the restoration of the Victorian bandstand, repairs of Park Lodge and the caf, and the improvement and redesign of the buildings to provide a user centre for visitors.

Refurbishment of the lake is also seen as a priority, as is the installation of attractions for younger visitors.

Coun Long, who is also the council cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "The Lottery bid has to be accompanied by matched funding, which will come from big organisations in some form of sponsorship, but I was anxious for the ordinary citizen to be able to make a contribution as well. It will contribute to our heritage Lottery bid, because we have got to demonstrate that we have got the people of the town behind us.

"I know people hold South Park in high esteem, so I hope they can just put a few quid in the bins on Saturday."

The fireworks event starts at 6pm