AN original Victorian fountain has pride of place in a revamped park in Poole.

The 120-year-old cast iron fountain, restored to its former glory, was positioned in the centre of Parkstone Park after residents said they wanted a traditional water feature.

It is believed it may be part of a structure exhibited at the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1888.

The green space at Ashley Cross is due to re-open to the public at Easter after a 15-week project costing £360,000.

“We are really pleased with the progress of the works so far and the arrival of this beautiful new fountain is a key stage in improving this well-loved area,” said Clive Smith, head of leisure services, Borough of Poole.

“We are even more delighted to know that residents will really enjoy this new feature in the park as it was their input on this scheme that led us to include a traditional fountain, rather than something more contemporary.”

The eight-foot tall fountain with two large bowls topped by an otter holding a fish, was restored by specialists Barr and Grosvenor of Wolverhampton.

It was manufactured by McDowell, Steven and Co Ltd at the Milton Ironworks in Glasgow probably in the late 1880s.

There are believed to be three other surviving examples of this fountain, at Morrab Gardens, Penzance, the seafront at Ayr and at Hawick.

An even grander version was supplied to the Glasgow exhibition in Kelvingrove Park, which was re-erected in Cathedral Square in the city where it remained until the 1940s.

Research conducted by John Bolton of the Scottish Ironwork Foundation suggests Parkstone’s new fountain is the top section of this one.

Funded by developer contributions, the 3.14 acre park will also include play equipment, two petanque pitches and an informal performance space.