Members of a community group were “trembling” with excitement when they discovered the park they have been working to revive has been awarded a £50,000 grant.

The Friends of Child’s Hill Park won the cash from Lottery-funded group People’s Millions to transform the marsh gardens, in Granville Road, into a hive of activity.

They went head to head with another project in south London, but after a tense 24 hours in which supporters of each project were asked to vote by phone, Child’s Hill was named the winner.

Ingrid Posen, the chairman of the Friends of Child’s Hill Park, said: “I couldn’t believe it. I was trembling with excitement when I found out.

“I was trying to write to my fellow committee members but I couldn’t type because I was just so excited and overwhelmed.

“People can’t wait – it’s just so lovely.”

The friends group will create a marsh in the boggy area to create a peaceful spot in a previously unsightly part of the park.

Disabled adults who are part of the Harrington Scheme, which trains disadvantaged people in Highgate, will help with the work.

Children from schools in the area will use the space to make sculptures out of branches, as well as learn about animals and science.

Ms Posen added: “We are thrilled to be working with the Harrington scheme, we’ve already had their learners come to the park and they’ve done some great work.

“You’d be amazed at what sort of learning you can get out of a craft garden, too.”

Charity Kisharon, which helps Jewish children with learning disabilities, will also use the space as it will be specially adapted for wheelchairs and people with complex learning needs.

It will also include wind chimes and scented textures and plants for the visually impaired.

Kisharon chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson said:  “Kisharon has been rooting for their success and we are absolutely thrilled – the new disability-friendly facilities will be a great bonus for our students and others in local community.”