RELICS from the Ice Age have been added to a Swindon park.

Four giant sarcen stones - weighing a total of 21 tonnes - have been delivered to Faringdon Road Park in a bid to improve its appearance.

The huge rocks were unloaded yesterday as part of the New Mechanics' Institute Preservation Trust's plans to restore the park to its Victorian splendour.

Martha Parry, of the trust, said: "These stones are relics of the Ice Age.

"They would have been formed thousands of years ago and left behind when the ice retreated.

"We all think they are a wonderful addition to the park.

"It gives it more of a natural look.

"The park has looks unattractive for so many years.

"Now we are working hard to change all of that.

"We have these rocks, we have the various borders and beds and we have plans to restore the railings around the park which were removed during the Second World War because of a shortage of steel.

"We think that by the summer the park is really going to be looking quite stunning."

The rocks were provided by Swindon Council which, it is understood, dug them up some years ago during a building project.

The giant stones were kept in storage and are now finally seeing the light of day.

"They are not just attractive, but they are a focal point," said Martha.

"In the next few months we are putting in rubbish bins, dog waste bins and benches, but people can enjoy the stones too. Children can climb on them and people can sit on them."

This week a maple tree was planted in the park, also known as the GWR Park, and volunteers also have plans to introduce old train wagon wheels and a youth shelter in the immediate future.

Ultimately, residents want to see it restored to its former glory as it once boasted a formal garden, glasshouse and keeper's cottage.

Other plans include setting aside an area for a grassroots gardeners scheme who will help nurture the new border on the east of the park and possibly take on more of the park's maintenance.

The group plans to host an excursion to TWIGS nursery tomorrow.

Volunteers are invited to join the event by calling 01793 520592.