A GRAND celebration with a Victorian theme will mark the 150th anniversary of a much-loved Aire Valley park this summer.

Prince of Wales Park, Bingley, opened on June 6, 1865 and a host of fun and games will take place on that very same date this year.

The jubilee event has been organised by the Friends of Prince of Wales Park group which was only formed two years ago, but has already logged more than 7,000 hours of voluntary work.

"A huge amount has been accomplished by the volunteers, just as was the case between 1863 and 1865," said Allan Mirfield, on behalf of the Friends.

"Generous donations, sponsorship and grants being awarded has made it possible to move forward with huge improvements."

"The timing of the development programme, largely funded by the £50,000 award from WREN is perfect, as it hopefully will culminate in the celebration planned for 6th June," Mr Mirfield said.

And the group has just been awarded £1,396 by Bradford Council's Shipley Area Committee to renovate the stonework of the 1866 drinking fountain.

The arena at the centre of the 20 acre site will be the venue for the nostalgic Saturday afternoon event from 2pm to 5pm, and which will be opened by local gardening personality Katie Rushforth, of ITV's Love Your Garden.

And the ceremonial spade which was used at the park's opening may be wielded once again to plan memorial sapling.

Victorian bobbies will stroll with stilt walkers in period costume and children will be able to take part in traditional games from that era, such as whip and top, hoopla, a coconut shy and skittles.

Music will be provided by Bingley Grammar School singers who will be performing appropriate melodies from the era of barrel organs and music halls.

Eldwick Primary School’s choirs will also be on the programme, to entertain what is expected to be a large crowd.

Bingley Community Council Group will be organising a treasure hunt and the Canal and River Trust will have a stall offering bird-spotting fun for youngsters.

Bingley's newly accredited Walkers Are Welcome group will be promoting their organisation, hoping to introduce a programme of local walks in the area.

Victoria sponges and much more will be available on a cake stall run by the Gilstead Village Society and there will also be a bar and barbecue.

"A committed group of local volunteers have given this park a new lease of life," said Bingley ward Councillor David Heseltine.

"They've surpassed 7,000 hours of voluntary working and this has been a big commitment by local people doing something for their community which has attracted both local and national funding,"

"It should be a grand day," Cllr Heseltine said.