The refurbishment of the Victorian Rose Garden, created by George Lord Beeforth in 1883, emerged as a top priority among people canvassed during a consultation exercise carried out by the friends’ group last year.

Existing rose plants have deteriorated over the years with many of the plants dead or dying. Research has suggested the best way of guaranteeing the success of new rose plants is to plant them in fresh topsoil, so the project includes replacing all of the topsoil.

The drainage system will be repaired and some tree work carried out to increase light levels before new rose plants are put into the ground.

The project also includes education and participation, involving the local community and pupils from Wheatcroft Primary School and any other schools wishing to participate. This will include the production of a site interpretation board and leaflets describing the history of the Victorian Rose Garden and further leaflets on the selection, planting and aftercare of traditional hybrid tea roses.

Additional work will include the development of web pages with more information, provision of training on looking after roses, laying on guided walks and visits to rose growers to help select the new plants.

Scarborough Borough Council’s Cabinet has agreed to accept the £49,800 grant from HLF and the restoration project could go ahead. Chris Perry, Friends of South Cliff Gardens committee member, said: “We are very pleased HLF has selected our project to receive funding following all the hard work put in by the friends over many months.

“This grant should make a big and lasting difference to this much loved part of Scarborough South Cliff for the benefit of residents and visitors for many years to come. We look forward to helping people to learn about their heritage through this project.”