Kent construction company Gallagher is starting work this week on a £2.5 million facelift for Maidstone's Mote Park.

The Aylesford-based firm has been appointed as the main contractor for the work, which is scheduled for completion by next summer.

The project is being financed by a £1.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) under its Parks for People Scheme.

Maidstone Borough Council is also investing £700,000 in the project.

It is the biggest investment in the park since the council bought it from Lord Bearsted in 1929 for £50,000.

Cllr John A Wilson, the council's cabinet member for leisure and community services, said: "After lengthy Lottery bids and getting the plans just right I am so pleased to see work on the park's restoration begin.

"The park will see such a transformation and the final results will be for everyone to reap - not just people from Maidstone, but visitors from all over the south east."

Residents are being invited to a public meeting to discuss the park's transformation at 7pm on Thursday, October 20 at Maidstone Leisure Centre.

Representatives of Gallagher will also be there to answer questions.