THE glory days of a Darlington park were revived at the weekend during its centenary celebrations.

Saturday marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of North Lodge Park, a once-declining part of the town which is scheduled for extensive refurbishment.

The park, described by its Friends' group as a little jewel, has fallen into disrepair, but is now in line for £265,000 of National Lottery-funded improvements.

Darlington Mayor Ron Lewis opened the park's centenary fete.

A century ago, the local council's parks committee chairman, Seymour Benson, opened the park, paving the way for the creation of a community facility which included a pond, fountain and boathouse.

The pond was filled in during the Thirties and the boathouse demolished in 1955. The bandstand, which remains, was renovated in 1989 but needs a further £80,000 spending on it.

The Lottery grant will be used to improve lighting, install security cameras and dog bins, plant floral displays and provide a play area.