CORONATION celebrations got underway in Upper Gornal with the unveiling of a new plaque and park revamp.

Coronation Gardens, off Dudley Road, opened in 1953 and was named to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II which took place in the same year.

Upper Gornal and Woodsetton councillors Adam Aston and Kieran Casey teamed up with Dudley's parks department and the area's history society to ensure the entrance to the gardens was spruced up ahead of the anniversary.

Cllr Aston said: "After myself and cllr Casey were contacted regarding the poor state of repair of the iron archway at the entrance to Coronation Gardens we felt it was really important that the archway was brought back to its former glory.

"We successfully lobbied for the archway to be painted and for a plaque to be installed on one of the pillars beneath the arch commemorating the 60th anniversary of the coronation.

"The plaque has been installed and looks great."

Councillor Tracy Wood, Dudley cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “Coronation Gardens has provided a calm and welcoming green space for generations of residents in the area.

“This plaque celebrates 60 years of public service by the Queen and 60 years of the park itself.”