A new community group has been formed in an effort to regenerate Aberdeen's most popular open spaces.

Friends of Victoria and Westburn Parks is made up of residents from Rosemount and Midstocket.

Local councillor Bill Cormie played an integral role in forming the group, after inviting interested locals keen to shape the future of the parks to come forward.

Their first project will focus on the restoration of the fountain in Victoria Park, which has been out of action for a number of years.

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The fountain is made from 14 types of granite and was presented to Aberdeen by the city's former granite polishers and master builders.

The Friends Of group is currently exploring possible funding options from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Your Heritage programme, which offers between £3,000 and £50,000, and its Heritage Grants scheme, which offers sums above £50,000.

Future projects could involve offering allotment space in Victoria Park for vegetable and flower planting for the area's three primary schools, Skene Square, Gilcomstoun and Mile End.

Cllr Cormie said: "It is imperative that we continue to protect, promote and improve the green spaces we are fortunate to have in the city. The parks at Victoria and Westburn are popular but what they lack is a group dedicated to shaping their future. But now we have that and I hope the parks will go from strength to strength."

(JG/BMcC)