INFORMATION boards explaining the £3m restoration of a Victorian park will be installed next week.

Wharton Park in Durham will close for 12 months in spring 2015 as the work gets underway.

The development will includes the creation of a new heritage centre and café, new play and fitness areas and restoration of existing features of the amphitheatre, battlements and miniature car track.

The park, owned by Durham County Council, occupies 4.3 hectares of land within the Durham City Conservation Area and a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid for funding has led to the restoration.

Two boards will be placed at the North Road entrance and also in the car park.

The area, which became known as the People’s Park, was first opened to the public in 1858 and was the site of the first Durham Miners’ Gala in 1871.

The Friends of Wharton Park are keen for members of the public to get involved in the project and are holding a public event in Durham Town Hall on November 25, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm where the final designs will be showcased.