THE restoration of a Hartlepool park has taken a step forward with the start of work on a visitor centre.

The town's mayor, Councillor Frank Rogers, carried out a turf-cutting ceremony at Ward Jackson Park, to mark the launch of the £2m project.

The centre, which is due for completion in June, is being built in the south-east corner of the park, close to the Lodge House.

Its facilities will include a cafeteria, display and exhibition areas, a community room, an outside paved terrace with views of neighbouring play areas, and toilets.

The regeneration of the park, which opened in 1883 in memory of Ralph Ward Jackson, who was responsible for a lot of development in west Hartlepool, is being coordinated by Hartlepool Borough Council, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Much work has already been carried out, including restoration of the bandstand and ornate fountain, and improvements to the lake.

The long-term aim is to revive the park's role as the focus of community activity, encouraging people from all walks of life to enjoy its facilities. Coun Rogers said: "It is excellent news that work has started on the new visitor centre, which is a great boost for the park.

"We want more and more people to come and enjoy the restored park."