THE restoration of Lydiard Park has been given another boost. English Heritage has confirmed it will support the Lydiard Park Project with a grant of £100,000.

The money will go towards the ambitious £5.3 million project to restore the park's historic landscape.

Dr Edward Impey, director of research and strategy at English Heritage, announced the grant at a reception hosted by Swindon Council and English Heritage to celebrate the legacy of Roger Morris, the Georgian architect responsible for the remodelling of Lydiard House during the 18th century.

"The project is groundbreaking in many ways, serving the needs not only of the local community but of all those engaged in the understanding and management of the historic environment," said Dr Impey.

Council leader Mike Bawden said: "Swindon Council is absolutely delighted that English Heritage has made this financial contribution to the Lydiard Park Project."

The project aims to reverse the decline in Lydiard's rich historic parkland and provide a site of unique beauty and heritage value for the people of Swindon. The council will hear in the summer if its bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £3.1million is successful and work should begin in the autumn 2005.

The plan is to restore the principal garden features including the lost lake, the massive dam wall and the ornamental fruit and flower garden.

At the same time the council is planning to improve visitor facilities.

Coun Nick Martin, chair of the Lydiard Park Project Board, said: "I would like to thank our friends at English Heritage for this splendid donation to the Lydiard Park Project, especially as it is in addition to many hours of professional advice and support by English Heritage staff, who have assisted us with the resotration and development plans for Lydiard Park and our submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund."

In December 2004, BMW Group and Intel UK Ltd signed up as business partners to the project, joining established business supporter RWE npower.

"Our connection with English Heritage dates back to the days of David Murray John, clerk of Swindon Council from 1938 to 1974. It is tremendous that today English Heritage is joining with us to complete his vision to restore Lydiard Park to its former glory.

Isabel Field