Image: Barking Splash Park on the former lido site

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) has announced the reopening of Barking Park, following the completion of an extensive £7.5m refurbishment programme.

Part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the scheme has taken two years to complete and has included the construction of a new visitor centre and a café at the heart of the park.

The 910m (2,986ft)-long lake has been drained and de-silted, while a new boating pontoon has been installed ahead of the return of pleasure boating to the park later this year.

Elsewhere, a former lido that had remained derelict since 1988 has received a new lease of life as a wet play facility and incorporates some of the original fountains.

LBBD cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport Bert Collins said: "It's a real pleasure to see the completed park. The new facilities all look fantastic."

Details: www.hlf.org.uk