A group today pledged to be the "eyes and ears" of historic Lister Park and preserve its new found glory.

The Friends of Lister Park has officially launched the organisation as the finishing touches are put on the £4 million refurbishment.

One of its aims is to involve young people in its future and encourage them to treasure it.

The group has now elected an executive committee which will meet regularly to discuss plans for further enhancement and protection of its heritage.

Chairman Joy Leach said: "Security and preserving the park have to be a priority and we want to involve young people in its future."

She said invitations would go out in the park inviting them to a boating event when they would be asked what leisure and recreation they wanted to see in the park and the best way they could enjoy it.

Mrs Leach said they also wanted to set up a reminiscence group which could result in booklets being put out of park memories.

The park was originally on the site of Manningham Hall- the home of the Lister textile family.

Samuel Cunliffe Lister sold the house and grounds to Bradford Corporation in 1870 on condition that it be used as a public park.

The Lister family also contributed £47,500 towards the £70,000 cost of the purpose-built Cartwright Hall Art gallery.

The four year programme to restore the park received a £3.2 million award from the National Heritage Lottery.

Its main feature is a £434,000 Indian Mughal water garden - the first of its type in Britain.

The bandstand and boating lake have been restored and there is a £250,000 playground.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends is being asked to ring Mrs Leach on (01274) 223665.