A FILM-MAKER is appealing for historical footage to help create a record of the £3.9m restoration of Darlington's South Park.

Michael Bell, who runs Inky Productions, in Darlington, has been filming the restoration of the park since it began earlier this year.

Mr Bell, who gained a masters degree in film production as a director at the Northern Film School, has been following the teams of workers as they return the park to its former Victorian glory.

Regular film clips are put on the Darlington Borough Council website so residents and those living further afield can follow the restoration work. It is hoped more people will be encouraged to visit South Park when they have seen on-line how it is being transformed.

When the restoration project is finished, Mr Bell will produce a film using all his clips, which will be available early next year. He is also hoping to produce a DVD for schools. As well as looking at the future of the park, the film will feature historical footage but Mr Bell needs residents' help to find any pictures that were taken with cine-cameras.

Any images of South Park will be returned to their owners and could end up being preserved as part of Darlington's cinematic history.

Councillor Lee Vasey, the borough council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "This is a very exciting project that allows everyone to see what stage the restoration project is at simply by logging onto a computer.

"I hope people can help Michael complete his film, which will be of great interest to future generations."

The video clips of the park's restoration so far can be found at www.darlington.gov.uk/Leisure/Parks/South+Park/Video+Clips.htm

Anyone who can contribute to Mr Bell's film is asked to call Paul Place, acting park manager, on (01325) 383099.