'Making their mark' at launch of restoration

The launch was also part of the national '˜Big Draw' campaign which encourages people across the country to use drawing and creativity to engage with the past, present and future.

In recognition of the construction which is soon to begin as part of Hotham Park's 2.2 million restoration, members of the public, as well as local councillors and council staff, helped to leave their own, artistic tracks on the site before the diggers and trucks move in.

It included creating giant leaf trails around the trees, and working with guest artist Rebecca Foster to produce tyre print pictures using different objects, such as bicycles, toys, pushchairs, wheelchairs, and roller blades. Many of the visitors even removed their shoes and socks, rolled up their trousers and squelched through mud and paint to recreate their own footprints.

Claire Drew is the lead officer for the ECHO '“ Environmental Community Heritage Outreach '“ project and helped organise the event. She said: 'It was fantastic to see so many people entering into the spirit of the occasion.

'No one seemed afraid to get stuck in and get messy, and lots of creativity was on display. The leaf trails were so long we eventually ran out of room, and two boys spelt out Hotham Park with the leftovers as a tribute.'

Cllr Paul Wotherspoon, cabinet Member for the environment, attended the event alongside Arun chairman Cllr Graham Tyler. He said: 'It was a great opportunity for local residents to visit the park and take part in something a bit different before this wonderful heritage site is restored.

'Hotham Park has an incredible history, which has been recognised by the allocation of 2.2m to its restoration. It has been a source of inspiration to many over the decades, and it inspired people to make their mark on it in their own way on Sunday.'

Members of the company contracted to carry out the restoration work on Hotham Park, UPM Tilhill, were also present at the event.

Work on the restoration project, which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as local organisations including Arun District Council and Bognor Regis Town Council, is expected to begin at the end of October and could last up to a year.

The Big Draw event takes place throughout the whole of October, with more than 1,000 venues around the UK holding special activities exploring different ways of drawing and being creative.

This year there is a particular focus on heritage sites.