POOLE Park has submitted its final bid for nearly £3m of National Lottery cash.

This latest bid - the culmination of more than three years work - has been made to bankroll a range of projects at the historic park.

These include restoration of the entrances, the bridge over the sluice channel and the war memorial.

Improvements to the park lagoon, management of the numbers of Geese and wildfowl, and creation of new play areas and natural features will also be carried out.

Now park supporters have an anxious wait until this summer to see if the bid is successful.

Borough of Poole (BOP) Poole Park Life Project manager Martin Whitchurch said: "We would like to say a massive thank you to local residents, businesses, the Friends of Poole Park, the Poole Park Heritage Group and the many other individuals, groups and organisations that have played a part in this bid.

"Their continued support and dedication has resulted in a high quality bid submission which is bringing us that much closer to securing major investment in the park.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed for a positive announcement in the summer."

A series of public events and workshops have taken place to involve the public in the Heritage Lottery Fund bid, which led to the development of five key themes. These are heritage and landscape; lakes and lagoons; access, parking and movement; play; geese and wildlife.

BOP environment member Cllr John Rampton said: "Poole Park is a real gem in the heart of Poole.

"It is treasured by so many people it is important that we both improve and protect the park for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.

"It is fantastic that so many local people and organisations have got behind this bid and helped influence the final proposals which will benefit everyone."