FAMILIES flocked to an open day in Darlington's oldest park at the weekend.

South Park hosted a fun day on Saturday and gave people a chance to see more of the park than they usually would.

Guided walks around sites that are being restored took place. And the new education centre - which will be used by schools and community groups - was open.

The fun day, organised by the Friends of South Park group, included arts and crafts workshops for children and talks about the park's multi-million pound restoration.

Nature trails were organised and bird seed was handed out.

A bouncy castle, face painting and balloon modelling were among the other activities.

Councillor Lee Vasey, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "So much of the work is now complete and the park is looking fantastic.

"The Friends of South Park do a marvellous job and visitors to the park were able to find out more about their work."

The group consists of volunteers, the majority who live in the Darlington area.

They tend areas around the park and are planning a clean-up of the River Skerne later in the year.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends is asked to call (01325) 283225.