A MULTI-MILLION pound project to restore one of the area's most important parks is progressing.

Durham County Council is restoring Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, to its Georgian glory.

Project manager Catherine Grezo talked about the project's progress at a general meeting of the Friends of Hardwick Country Park, at Hardwick Hall Hotel.

She said that work on the Temple of Minerva was well advanced and it was hoped that it would be completed within weeks.

Barbara Robinson, of Friends of Hardwick Country Park, said: "Work has started on restoring the Gothic ruin castle, with scaffolding in place to rebuild the tower.

"Final earthwork is being carried out on the perimeter of the lake to establish the boundaries, and it is hoped to commence filling the lake in the late summer. Stonemasons are working on the Gothic seat."

The group is also considering buying a time capsule to be placed in the Temple, and is looking for ideas for contents.