Award-winning Priory Park has had its main gates restored to their former glory in its centenary year.

The gates were officially reopened yesterday by Southend mayor, councillor Fay Evans and councillor Ann Holland after being covered in scaffolding since July 13.

The refurbishment was part of a double celebration, the 100-year anniversary of the park’s gifting and 125 years since the incorporation of the borough.

Speaking before the event, councillor for culture, tourism and the economy, Mrs Holland said: “The Priory Park gates are a rich part of our history, forming an iconic entrance to the award-winning Priory Park since being installed after the First World War in 1920.

“Over the years, the gates have been routinely maintained but some of their finer features, such as the bronze lions, which have been missing since the early 1990s, are being replaced with resin replicas.

“It is wonderful to see the gates being restored to their former glory.”

The park was gifted to Southend by local jeweller and philanthropist RA Jones in 1917 and gates were opened for the first time in by the Duke of York who later became King George VI.

Speaking at the ceremony, councillor Holland said: “When presented at the site Mr Jones stated: ‘I think it is a sin for a man to die rich. It is a great privilege for me to be able to do this. I strongly believe in facilities for recreation’.

“It is a philosophy the council to this day still support.

“Over the years these gates have seen many changes to this corner of Prittlewell and at almost 100 years old they were looking a bit tired and sad.

“Therefore, I am absolutely delighted they have been restored to their former glory.”

Councillor Evans said: “Thank you all for being here and being part of the celebrations.

“One hundred years ago the Duke of York actually stood in this place, it is a privilege for me 100 years on to open these gates.

“Thank you to all of those who have been involved in this.

“The gates, as Ann said, are absolutely wonderful.

I would now like to formally open the gates and invite you all through.

When passed the key, the mayor joke at the size of it, adding: “I thought it was going to be something larger than this.”

After formally opening the gate, the mayor came out with another well-timed quip, saying: “Don’t lose it there’s only one key.”