The Friends of Leazes Park - a group created to campaign for, support and maintain the historic landscape in the centre of Newcastle – has received £1000 from Haddonstone, the renowned cast stone manufacturer from Northamptonshire.

Haddonstone created a number of ornaments as part of the restoration of the park, including a pair of magnificent lions. Haddonstone subsequently added the designs to their standard collection, agreeing to donate £1000 to the Friends of Leazes Park once the first pair had been sold.

Elaine Armstrong, chairman of the Friends of Leazes Park, said that the society had several possible ideas on which to spend the money. Treasurer Bob Armstrong added: “There are many good works to be done in the park”.

The lions have been bought by Alan Shield, proprietor of the prestigious Stone Gallery, a Haddonstone stockist, at the Milkhope Centre in Seaton Burn. Mr Shield said he purchased the lions as an eye-catching feature for the entrance to the showroom and added that they have attracted much attention from customers.

Simon Scott, Haddonstone’s marketing director, said that Haddonstone would also be placing a pair of the lions at the entrance to their head office near Northampton. He added: “The lions are becoming quite famous as they have featured at a number of exhibitions in both London and Birmingham”.

Leazes Park originally opened in 1873 and was the first purpose-built public park in Newcastle. After being used for over 100 years for public recreation and relaxation, and following bomb damage during the Second World War, this important amenity was in serious need of refurbishment.

Working from little more than one surviving urn and a number of Victorian postcards, Haddonstone recreated designs for the central terrace area of the park. In addition to the lions, which weigh a massive 1000kg each, Haddonstone created a pair of left and right handed eagles, six imposing urns with acanthus leaf decoration and a pair of elegant statues representing music and poetry.

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