Before the revamp, jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and West Norfolk Council, the park was under-used by the community and in decline.

Now, thanks to extensive restoration and improvement works, it is a welcoming, practical space, where historic features sit comfortably beside state-of-the-art facilities.

Key achievements include work which enabled the 15th century, Grade-I-listed Scheduled Ancient Monument, Red Mount Chapel to open to the public during the summer months, allowing 3, 575 people to explore within the walls of this unique chapel where pilgrims would have once stopped on their way to the Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham.

During the winter, the chapel is closed to the public becoming home to a colony of Brown Long Eared and Natterer's bats.

As well as making the most of the park's historic assets, the project has seen the installation of a modern steel bridge.

The bridge allows easier access to the centre island of the Vancouver Garden where the refurbished bandstand - a focal point for community gatherings - can be found.

A new children's playground, a café, refurbished toilets, extended CCTV coverage, new lighting, a management building and an 1800m² multi-use games area are amongst the long list of improvements.

A growing calendar of diverse community events including Parkour, Tai Chi, and a firework display attended by over 20,000 people, demonstrates the park's credentials as an event space to be enjoyed by the whole community.

Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds, cabinet member for Sports, Arts and Open Spaces, said: "This is excellent news and recognition of the quality of our conservation work. Our aim was always to make the most of The Walks' many assets, conserving the park for future generations, as well as ensuring it remained relevant and accessible to modern users."

"It is wonderful to see projects such as this," added Martin Walton, chairman of the CPRE Norfolk Award judging panel.

"What was once an under-used and neglected urban space is now a delightful area that can, and will be, used by all ages. One of the main aims of the CPRE Norfolk Awards is to positively encourage the enhancement of our countryside and market towns, and I think the restoration and renovation of The Walks undoubtedly meets this goal," he added.

Interpretation panels will soon be added to The Walks helping visitors to find out more about the key conservation features.

This is the latest accolade bestowed upon the park, following its achievement of a Green Flag award earlier in the year.

For more information about The Walks conservation project or to find out about forthcoming events visit www.west-norfolk.gov.uk or contact the park manager on 01553 616366.