A PARK in the centre of Prime Minister Tony Blair's constituency has received an award.
Hardwick Park, in Sedgefield, is in the middle of a restoration programme totalling almost £5m.
The funding has come from a series of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Yesterday, National Lottery chiefs and council dignitaries visited the park to see how the money is being spent and to award the project a blue plaque.
The park is one of 50 organisations to receive the commemorative plaque this month, to show how Lottery money has made a difference to communities.
The development is costing £4,745,900 and involves restoring the main lake, reconstructing a bridge, repairing three key buildings and restoring paths and shrubberies.
Other work includes developing a visitor centre with an education suite, exhibition space, cafe and car park.
Councillor Ken Manton, leader of Durham County Council, said: "Winning the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund was a tremendous boost to our bold bid to restore Hardwick.
"An initial development grant gave a kickstart to the whole process and further HLF grants are spurring us on to achieve our long-term aim of raising Hardwick's quality so that it becomes eligible for Grade I-listing on the Register of Parks and Gardens of National Importance.''
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