Work on a multimillion pound park revamp have taken another step forward after workers arrived on site today.

Contractors are testing at Ellington Park in Ramsgate ahead of building work due to start in the autumn.

The £2 million refurbishment of the historic park built in 1893 is part of a major project to restore and renovate the park.

A new cafe and toilets will be built along with restoring historic features and the park's original layout and upgrading playing facilities for children.

The surveys are inspecting the ground to ensure the location of the proposed cafe and toilet facilities are in the right place after designs were approved last year.

The tests are assessing water drainage and the soil structure, Thanet District Council (TDC) said this week.

Specialists moved on to the site today before contractors can begin building later this year.

The project is a partnership between TDC, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and community group Friends of Ellington Park, who campaigned for improved facilities and were key to securing funding grants and raising money through events.

A funding agreement was revealed in January with the HLF awarding cash for work to start following 18 months of discussions, designs and planning permission.

The 13-acre park is due to open in 2021 and is expected to attract 120,000 visits every year.

Ellington Park was a classic example of a late Victorian and Edwardian landscaped park and was designed by Joseph Cheal, who also designed gardens and parks at Hever Castle and Kirkstall Abbey.

It is named after the Ellington House estate on the grounds where it is situated in Ramsgate.

Many of the heritage features of the park remain today including more than 390 trees with 90,000 visitors each year.

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