A city council is to contribute £1.6m towards the restoration of a number of parks.

Newcastle City Council has earmarked the funds for work at the Ouseburn Parks, Jesmond Dene, Heaton Park, Paddy Freeman's and Armstrong Park.

The money will make up the authority's contribution to a £6.1m Heritage Lottery Fund supported restoration of the parks.

The council recently completed a consultation about the development of the parks in order to prepare a full grant application.

The restoration will include work on trees in all of the parks, including felling and replacement.

If the bid is successful, work will begin in 2008.