PEOPLE can play their part in helping to conserve and restore one of Bexley's most historic sites.

Bexley Heritage Trust needs to raise almost £2m to match Lottery funding for the project which will bring Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, and its gardens closer to its historic past.

The trust wants as many people to get involved in the project as possible, and it is hosting a giant balloon race at Hall Place on Easter Monday.

Up to 500 balloons will be released from the gardens at 2.30pm.

They cost £1.50 each to sponsor and all the proceeds will go towards the restoration project.

To encouraged people to take part, entry to the house and gardens is free.

The sponsor of the balloon which travels furthest wins a family ticket to Chessington World of Adventures and the finder also wins a prize.

Also on Easter Monday from 11am to 3pm, there will be an Easter Eggstravaganza for children including craft activities, a garden trail, a colouring competition and the egg-Olympics.

The event costs £3 per child. For further details, call 01322 526574.