SPLENDID hats will be donned to celebrate the opening of Britain’s smallest park later this month.

The team behind Councillor Gerald Lee Park are encouraging people to dig out their finest headgear and join them in celebrating its official opening on Saturday, July 19.

Darlington’s Mayor, Councillor Gerald Lee, will be on hand to open the tiny park named in his honour.

A scrap of derelict land underneath a billboard has been transformed by a devoted group of green fingered volunteers into a colourful park, measuring just 25 square metres.

The park, on Victoria Road, has been created by the South Terrace Residents Association in conjunction with Darlington Guerrilla Gardeners.

The “environmentally-aware space” features a selection of bright plants, a pond, seating, a bird box and a bee hotel.

Once complete, it will be pitted against Prince’s Park in Burntwood, Staffordshire in a bid to be named Britain’s Smallest Park.

Stephen Twist, from the South Terrace Residents Association, said: “We wanted to name it after Councillor Lee because he’s our litter picking Tsar and we admire the work he’s done for the environment.

“It’s been a lot of fun, we’ve had a lot of support from all over the world and people are already enjoying the park.”

A Hat Day At the Park will be held from 11am.