Work has started on a £3.5m scheme to restore and improve Beacon Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire, as part of a wider local authority-led programme to transform the city's parks.

The Lichfield Parks Project, a joint venture between Lichfield City Council (LCC) and Lichfield District Council (LDC), has received funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund's Parks for People initiative. A new café, a refreshment kiosk, a bowls and education pavilion and new play areas for children of all ages will be created as part of the project, as well as the restoration of listed structures.

The Casey Group has been appointed by LDC to carry out work as part of the scheme, which will also result in the transformation of Minster Pool and Walk and the Garden of Remembrance. LDC's cabinet member for development services, Neil Roberts, said: "It's so important we preserve our historic green spaces for future generations.

"Restoring our city parks will help to attract even more visitors to our district, boosting local shops and businesses, which is so important, especially during the current economic climate."