Alexandra Park's green cathedral....

I've always enjoyed Alexandra Park, one of Manchester's green lungs to the south of the city centre, sandwiched between Moss Side and Walley Range with busy Princess Parkway on one side and Alexandra Road on the other.

It was laid out in 1868 and was a popular place for a Sunday afternoon walk for the well heeled Victorians who lived in their grand villas in Walley Range and even in Moss Side. Changes in the demography of the area had left this part of the city a lot less desirable than it used to be and the park went into decline with many of its features deteriorating. Ten years ago you could see the bare bones of what the park had been but it was in a poor state and parts were downright dangerous after dark.

In 2002 it was decided that something should be done about it. Walley Range is, once again, seen as a good place to live and even Moss Side is on the up. It's taken 10 years to get the project off the ground, the money (5.5mill) together and for the work to be completed.

Buildings have been restored, dangerous trees removed, new trees planted, the lake restored and people are promenading along the beautifully restored terrace again.

But for my picture I went for the long walk that runs the length of the park parallel to Alexandra Road. Some of the oldest and most beautiful trees line this walk and, to my mind, look like the columns and roof of a green Gothic cathedral...