YOUNGSTERS from two primary schools helped launch a multi-million pound parkland restoration.

The children, from Sedgefield and Hardwick primary schools, in County Durham, brought the huge diggers under starter's orders to begin excavating a lost lake at Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield.

The work to restore the 17-acre lake, which disappeared about 150 years ago, is a key part of a ten-year project by Durham County Council.

The scheme, which was awarded nearly £5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to restore the historic Grade II-listed parkland to its 1750s splendour.

The project includes restoration work to a number of follies, clearing undergrowth to open up vistas through the woodland, and restoring the circuit walk and grand terrace.

Construction work on the lake is expected to be completed in January next year, with filling completed by June.

Work on clearing the eastern end of the bed of the main lake started in September last year and was completed the following month.

About two-thirds of the vegetation that had developed on the bed of the former lake was cleared, leaving the remainder as an ecologically and educationally important feature.

This will be separated from the restored lake by a low embankment, which is still to be constructed.

Extensive archaeological work was carried out in and around the lake's dam last summer, which revealed the presence of a lime slaking pit.

Also discovered was a sophisticated system of water management, including a sluice that gave the impression the main cascade leading into the pond carried more water than it did.

All have been recorded and covered again but it is intended eventually to bring the sluice feature back into full working order.

The parkland was created in the 1750s by acclaimed architect James Paine, for John Burdon, a wealthy Tyneside businessman.

It is thought to be potentially as important as some of Britain's finest landscape gardens, including those at Stourhead and Stowe.