A FULL ecological survey of Darlington's South Park will begin next week in preparation for a £3.9m restoration programme.

The survey will look at the park's plants, trees and wildlife to ensure that restoration work will not endanger wildlife or habitats.

The first phase of the restoration work, costing £50,000, is scheduled to begin next month.

It will include installing gates and railings, and an assessment of the condition of the park's 1,200 trees, withdead or diseased trees being replaced.

The plan to restore South Park to its former Victorian glory has been helped by a £2.9m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Funds will also be provided by Darlington Borough Council, County Durham Environmental Trust, the Training and Enterprise Council, and other community and local groups.

Other parts of the plan include restoring the bandstand and terracotta fountain, refurbishing the lake, creating a sensory garden and improving public access, and building educational facilities.

An adventure playground, a ball park and skateboard park are also planned.

It is hoped that the restoration and development work will be completed by summer next year and the park will remain open to the public throughout the restoration work.

Dorothy Long, the council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "When the work is complete, I think we will see something very special."