work has started on improvements to bring Leigh's former showpiece Lilford Park back up to scratch.

Facilities for under 12s are undergoing a £110,000 transformation following investment by Wigan Council in partnership with Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.

Then the existing site will be split into different age zones and when work is completed it will offer something for all children. Developments on the site include a nest swing, enabling less physically able children and their carers to sit on the same seat, cradle seats, a sand pit, a tower slide, Supernova and Tornado.

Township manager Andrew Sharrock said: "This marks the start of a significant improvement plan for Lilford Park.

"The Township Forum and WLCT have aspirations to see other improvements in the park, such as a better parking area, a new park ranger station/office, an environment class room, sports zones, an informal recreation area, an arboretum and improved wildlife habitats."

Deborah Freeman, the Trust's community regeneration manager for play and early years says: "The new play facility involves a considerable amount of work. This will be carried out in different phases to ensure children always have access to play equipment."