Image: Isabella Plantation at London's Richmond Park

Five historic parks across the UK have been awarded a share of £7.9m towards major restoration projects from the National Lottery as part of the Parks for People funding programme.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) have confirmed joint grants for three English parks, while the HLF has also awarded funding to two Scottish parks.

Northumberland Park, North Shields (£2.2m); the Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park in London; and and Eastwood Park in Derby (£1.1m) are the recipients of the joint funding.

Meanwhile, Rouken Glen Park in East Renfrewshire (£2.1m) and Dock Park in Dumfries (£991,300) are the recipients of HLF grants towards their respective redevelopment projects.

A further six parks have received initial support towards development projects - five across England from HLF and BIG and one in Scotland park from HLF.

Each of the projects are designed to safeguard the long-term future of the parks through the upgrade of facilities, the restoration of historic features and new education programmes.

HLF chief executive Carole Souter said: "Looking after parks takes hard work, dedication and significant financial support; exactly why Lottery funding is so important."

Details: www.hlf.org.uk