DETAILED plans of how Burnley's 'jewel in the crown' will be improved as part of a multi-million pound restoration were revealed today.

Towneley Hall and Park is East Lancashire's most popular tourist attraction, visited by more than 20,000 people each year.

But deterioration in the 100-year-old estate means the hall and the park need a huge overhaul.

Problems have included key features going to seed including the Italian garden, pond, main avenue and hall shrub beds.

Burnley Council is bidding for almost £3million for improvements which will include changes to footpaths, new toilets, better car parking and more signs and information.

And details of the project have now been released.

Main aims of the plans are to ensure the hall and park are managed properly as a single unit and that the historic framework of the estate is restored.

Wildlife and conservation elements of the park will also be developed.

Estate bosses will try and boost the attraction of the park and hall to increase visitor numbers.

There are also plans to make sure the parks historic features like the split level gardein, ice house, Foldy's Cross and Monk's Well are maintained.

Simon Goff, the council's head of parks, said: "This is a very exciting and a real opportunity to carry out some much-needed improvements.

"We have just celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the park being handed over to the borough so it seems a fitting time to do this work if we get the funding.

"The money will help us make some improvements so that future generations are able to enjoy Towneley."

The park was named as one of the "seven wonders of Lancashire" in a radio poll.

Final bids for the cash, £2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £800,000 from other sources including the council, will be submitted in March with approval likely to come in the summer.

Work could start in 12 months and is likely to last five years.