Work to restore Sutton's park is finally under way after five years of preparation.

It has all been made possible with a £111,000 Heritage Lottery grant awarded in 2000.

Five years ago plans were laid to return the village park to its Edwardian splendour.

And now work has begun to move play equipment and lay down a safety surface.

Paths are also to be repaired, benches and shelters restored and litter bins replaced.

The biggest part of the project will be restoration work on the pavilion including re-roofing it, installing central heating and adding disabled toilets.

Restoration committee chairman Barbara Smith said: "We're hoping to have it finished within a year to 18 months. It all depends on the weather."

Ian Tomlinson, who has been employed to manage the project added: "It's good to make a start. After five years of talking to have something tangible is great."

The project's priority is health and safety work such as the play area and footpaths.

The committee also want to involve students from the local South Craven School in the work.

Mr Tomlinson said: "We would like to have them helping out in any way at all."

He hopes by involving the youngsters it will ensure they respect the area by giving them a sense of ownership.

lA second project to create a modern multi-sports pitch in a section of the park was announced last month by Philip Sant, head of Sutton Community Primary School.

An application for a grant from the Foundation for Sports and the Arts is being prepared to help pay for the scheme, estimated to cost around £56,000.