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.

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

Barbara Robinson, of Friends of Hardwick Country Park, said: "Work has started on restoring the Gothic ruin castle and stonemasons are working on the Gothic seat."

The group is also considering buying a time capsule to be placed in the Temple.