VOLUNTEERS are helping revitalise a park, designed to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and create a leisure facility that can be enjoyed by all.

Jubilee Nature Park in Kirkby Stephen has already seen phase one of a three-part conservation project successfully completed. And now work has begun on improving the paths and woodland.

Kirkby Stephen Town Council has already created a contemporary summer house to replace a destroyed Victorian structure as part of a £15,000 facelift.

Now, in phase two, a grant of £10,000 from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers' People's Places Award Scheme, together with the release of a £4,500 Heritage Lottery grant, will be used to fund a wetland wildlife area, remake paths and improve access.

The conservation project is part of the Vital Villages Project in Kirkby Stephen which continues with support from Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council and the Rural Development Programme.

Project manager Tom Woof said: "A massive community effort is helping to restore Jubilee Park with volunteers helping rebuild the paths alongside British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. RMC Aggregates at Hartley is donating the stone for this work and the Rotary Club is planting a hedge.

"Also, as part of the Vital Village scheme, Play Area for Kirkby Stephen (P.A.R.K.S.) has launched a fund-raising campaign to build a play area between the back of South Road and Westbrookfields. Possible ideas for the play equipment include cradle and junior swings, a springer seat, two climbing frames, free standing play panels, and a kickabout area. A shelter for older children could also be included if funds permit. Draft plans for the play area can be seen at the community and council centre, the library or the health centre. If you want to help with this campaign please contact the community centre.

"And a map showing five family friendly cycle routes around Kirkby Stephen has been published by the town council, priced £1.99 from the Tourist Information Centre.

"There are many things happening at the moment in Kirkby Stephen as part of the scheme. A bid to the Aggregates Levy Fund is expected to help secure the long-term future of Merry Gill Viaduct and open it up to the public. The Northern Viaduct Trust is working with RMC Aggregates and the Vital Villages project to prepare the bid and undertake the necessary repair work. If successful, a circular walk will be opened up which will incorporate the Millennium Bridge, the Poetry Path, Podgill and Merry Gill Viaducts, Hartley village and back through Franks Bridge and Kirkby Stephen. "

Anyone who wants to help should contact Tom on 017683-71532 or contact the town's community and council office.