IT is the Christmas present we thought the people of Swindon would not be given. Only three weeks ago the trustess of the Heritage Lottery Fund seemed doubtful that we would get the £3.5 million needed to restore Lydiard Park to its full glory.

But now comes the best news we hoped for the cash will be given to make the 260-acre park a place for local people that will draw tourists from far and wide.

English Heritage has always stressed the importance of the scheme and says residents will be able to get involved in the archaeology of the site during the restoration. This will be a unique chance for people of all ages to learn about the history of the park.

The great lost lake will be filled with water again, the sweeping vistas will be recreated and the beauty and scents of the ornamental gardens will be there to be enjoyed once more.

Educational, environmental, business and leisure benefits will be enormous and are bound to put Swindon on the map.

And it seems that the council's cost of maintaining the park after restoration won't hit the taxpayer for another five years.

The first payment of £430,000 will be here in the New Year so the designs can be drawn up.

We look forward to seeing just how splendid this project will be.