THE GATES at the entrance of a Southend park have been restored to their former glory to celebrate its 100-year anniversary.

The gates at Priory Park will be officially re-opened by Fay Evans, the Mayor of Southend on August 31 to celebrate 100-years since the park was gifted to the seaside town by a local jeweller called R A Jones.

The gates were unveiled in 1920 by the Duke of York.

Ann Holland, councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, said: “The Priory Park gates are a rich part of our history, forming an iconic entrance to the award-winning Priory Park since being installed after WW1 in 1920.”

The rejuvenation of the park gates also celebrate 125-years since the borough became incorporated.

Work has been done previously to return the gates to its previous state such as bronze lions which top the gates.

Ann continued: “It is wonderful to see the gates being restored.”