ALMOST 10,000 people have crowded to see a popular city park’s new look.

Wharton Park, in Durham, reopened this weekend after a year-long closure for a £3m renovation.

Families enjoyed two days of entertainment and exploring the new facilities, which include a miniature car track, play and gym equipment, amphitheatre and heritage centre.

Wharton Park programme officer Louise Vest said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. We’ve had people of all ages. I’ve had some of the older people telling me about when they used to come as kids. It’s been great to see all the kids and families as well. I think there’s been something for everybody.

“The response has been really fantastic. There’s been a real buzz from people. Everyone seems to be going home happy.”

Allison Bowes, from High Shincliffe, who visited the park with her grandson Alex, four, said: “It’s absolutely fabulous and just what Durham needs because there’s nothing in the city centre for children. It’s a God send to us as grandparents.”

As well as enjoying circus acts and storytelling, people were able to visit the park’s new heritage centre, complete with a miners’ banner created by pupils from Neville’s Cross and St Margaret’s primary schools.

The hand-painted silk banner was made as part of a project to celebrate Wharton Park’s links with mining heritage. The first Durham Miners’ Association gala was held in the park in August 1871.

Ms Vest added: “It was really important to us to celebrate Wharton Park’s links with mining heritage in Durham."