VISITORS to a heritage park will be in for a surprise when a striking new design is revealed at a ceremony.

A sculptured replica of a 400,000-year-old hand axe will be unveiled at Swanscombe Heritage Park on June 29.

The original axe was found in the park and it is hoped the sculpture will reflect the significance of what has been lauded as one of the most important archaeological sites in northern Europe.

The unveiling links in with the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the first fragments of human skull on the ancient site.

It also marks the culmination of two years of work to rid the site of dumped cars, fly-tippeed rubbish and illegal motorcyclists.

The axe sculpture and clearance work forms part of the A Walk into History project which is being managed by charity Groundwork on behalf of the Swanscombe Action Group.

The project was set-up with a £370,000 grant from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister via Kent County Council.

Groundwork's landscape architect David Robinson said: "We hope this exciting sculpture will not only provide an interesting landmark for visitors but also raise the public's perception of the archaeological importance of the park."