A HISTORIC part of Preston is to be returned to its former glory thanks to a £571,000 grant from the Lottery.

Grange Park is to be restored as a replica of the gardens designed and built by Edward Milner in the 1860s when it was part of the stately Ribbleton Hall.

It will include many of the original features such as the foundations of the hall, the ice house and kitchen garden, all surrounded by a ha-ha - a moat-like ditch which was used to keep cattle out.

Project co-ordinator Kath Barnes said: "We were not aware of the full value of the site when we started, but it is a fairly significant site."

She has been researching the park at the county records office, the Harris Library, through local historians and the memories of residents.

Kath said: "As well as recognising the heritage value of the Victorian garden, Heritage Lottery also acknowledges the Grange Valley as the site of an important Civil War Battle. It has awarded funding for the creation of a Battle Viewing Platform in the park."

The Heritage Lottery Urban Parks Programme Fund is also paying for a park ranger to based at a new Interpretative Centre within the restored kitchen garden. The ranger will work with local schools and community groups, planting shrubs and produce and maintaining the park.

Kath Barnes is still interested in hearing from anyone with photos of the hall and/or the park in its former glory. If you can help, call her on 01772 906547.

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