DARLINGTON'S South Park is the North-East's oldest park. Over the past two years, it has undergone a transformation, thanks to £3.9m of National Lottery money, to make it once again the "People's Park".

The first phase, restoring and repairing gates and railings, began in June 2003.

The current phase began in August last year and should be completed by November.

Already finished are the children's play area, the bowling greens, and the tennis, basketball and five-a-side court. At least 1,000 trees have been planted, including lime trees which will, in 40 years' time, form an archway.

Park manager Paul Place said: "I think the biggest change the public is noticing and commenting on very favourably is the completed lake. Over the next few weeks, we will be monitoring the lake to make sure it retains its water."

There will be a boardwalk on the east of the lake so that people have easy access to feed the ducks, and aquatic plants will be put around the edges. Another development that is near completion is the re-erection of the restored Victorian bandstand, which dates from 1893. The bandstand was sent to Glasgow for the restoration work, which cost about £150,000. The roof is the only part that has been replaced.

Mr Place said: "As with any building, the roof is usually the first to go, but the rest of the structure is in fantastic shape."

The bandstand has been painted its original colour, which was identified through paint analysis. It will form a focus for park events.

"I would love to see dramas performed here, with act one in one area of the park, act two in the bandstand and act three in the rose garden - the idea is to bring events and the public back into the park."

The new sensory garden is expected to entice new people into the park. Highly-scented flowers and a water fountain will be among the features.

Mr Place said that most people who visit the park use their sense of sight, but blind people and people with learning difficulties need to be engaged through smell and touch.

The new skateboarding area is designed to encourage local youngsters.

The initial design for the area was unpopular with both skateboarders and nearby residents, so Mr Place contacted 270 skateboarders and set up a meeting so they could suggest their own design.

Mr Place said: "The good thing is that they will own it from the start because they helped to design it.

"The 21st Century vision for South Park is of a re-energised park that has something for everyone that will be enjoyed for many years."