Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth will receive a £2.7m facelift.

UPM Tilhill has been awarded the contract to redevelop the park, with funding coming from the Parks for People programme funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.

The project will conserve the historic importance of the park and gardens and aims to increase the range of people using and volunteering in the park.

Work will include the refurbishment of the popular paddling pool, creating improved play areas and new routes through and around the park.

Councillor Ian Knighton, North Herts District Council's (NHDC) portfolio holder for leisure, said: "Howard Park and Gardens is of historical importance to Letchworth, and NHDC has a commitment to preserve, maintain and enhance this valuable space for the benefit of residents both now and in the future."

Robyn Llewellyn, head of Heritage Lottery Fund, East of England said: "Parks are a crucial part of this country's heritage and this money demonstrates our on-going commitment to looking after them, making sure they continue to be safe and enjoyable places to spend time.

"It's not just the important restoration work that matters. These grants are far-reaching and provide great opportunities to protect our precious wildlife, for volunteers to learn new skills, and get local people involved with taking care of their local park."