THE newly-renovated South Park is hosting two countryside events in the run-up to Christmas.

On Wednesday, at 11am, Chris Lloyd, local historian and deputy editor of The Northern Echo, will give a talk about the park's history at the new education centre.

After the talk, Paul Place, acting park manager, and Darlington Borough Council's countryside team will lead a tour of the park to look at the restoration work before returning to the education centre for mince pies.

Anyone interested can meet at the South Park clock tower, at 11am.

On Thursday, there is a free afternoon of fun for children.

Between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, youngsters can enjoy a walk through Geneva Wood local nature reserve to hunt for natural materials.

Back at the South Park education centre, the children will be shown how to turn their finds into pine cone bird feeders and decorations.

All children should be accompanied by an adult and everyone is asked to wear warm, waterproof clothing and suitable walking shoes or wellingtons.

People are asked to meet at the main South Park entrance.

For further information about the events, contact Sally Hunter on (01325) 388648.