THE borough's premier park is in line for a multi-million pound makeover after succeeding in the first part of a Lottery bid.

The linked Lloyd and Aveling parks, in Walthamstow, have been granted £167,000 to develop detailed plans to bring in a further £3.5million of lottery funds towards a £4.2million regeneration scheme. The balance will come from the council.

Restoration of the central entrance and footpaths, improved children's play areas, the re-design and planting of shrubs and trees, building a new Changing Room gallery, cafe and toilets, improved seating, lighting, dog bins and signs throughout are all on the wish list.

The development grant has come from the Heritage Lottery and Big Lottery Funds' Parks for People Initiative.

Cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, Cllr Geraldine Reardon, said: "This is great news for the park and the many people who live nearby.

"Our scheme aims comprehensively to restore and revitalise the park and provide better facilities for residents to enjoy.

"Thanks to investment from the Lottery, we can now go ahead and develop these innovative plans further."

The Friends of Lloyd Park were delighted by the announcement as the group has been urging the council to bid for funds since it was formed in 2004.

Member Mairi Johnson said: "It is fantastic news that we have been awarded Stage 1 funding, but the real work starts now.

"There is now a chance for everyone with interest in the park to have their say in the detailed design."

The council is already preparing a Stage 2 Lottery bid to be submitted by next March, and will be working with consultants and technical experts to produce a design that will both benefit the community and meet lottery guidelines.

* Cute animals, maypole dancing and a chance to wrestle in Sumo suits are among the attractions at a family fun day in the two parks on Sunday.

Children can win a special prize if they wear the best fancy dress outfit at the Friends of the Parks family fun day, in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

Youngsters can enjoy petting animals visiting from Brooks Farm, in Leyton, and there will an opportunity to tour a fire engine.

Children can also enjoy a beat the goalie, a bouncy castle, balloon modelling, and face painting.

Refreshments will include cakes baked by students at Waltham Forest College.

The fun begins at noon and runs until 4pm and there will be a small charge per activity to cover the cost of the event.