PRINCE Charles can soon expect an invitation in the post - to officially open Fair Oak's new-look recreation ground.

Thousands of pounds have been spent on upgrading the Shorts Road Recreation Ground. It has been given a new name - the New Century Park - and special ornate gates marking the millennium are to be installed soon on the Shorts Road side of the park.

To mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, special gates are to be made for another part of the park.

Fair Oak and Horton Heath Parish Council hopes to put the royal icing on the celebrations by inviting the Prince of Wales to officially unveil the gates and the landscaped park on Saturday, May 25 next year.

The village authority is asking the local community association to organise a party the afternoon and it is hoped that His Royal Highness will be there.

Parish council chairman Councillor Helen Douglas said: "Many years ago this was once a refuse tip and now it has been transformed into a wonderful park.

"I am sure that is something Prince Charles would be interested in."

Over recent years about £50,000, including grants, has been spent on the recreation area. The parish council has approved moves to step up security to crackdown on vandalism.

Councillors are determined that nothing should spoil the park which is hoped will have a royal visitor.