FOR the first time in over 70 years, sun-seeking Londoners no longer need to head to the coast to enjoy the beach - they can go to Fulham.

On Monday (28) afternoon, dignitaries including the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres and outgoing council leader Stephen Greenhalgh, officially opened the capital's only urban beach in Bishops Park.

At the turn of the 20th century families from across London would flock to the borough to bask by the side of the Thames at what became known as 'Margate Sands'.

But as this man-made treasure fell into such disrepair it was deemed a health and safety risk, and as a result was closed in 1936.

However as part of an £8million improvement programme to both Bishops Park and Fulham Palace, the beach has been restored to its former glory.

The council's resident services lader, Greg Smith, said: "With summer approaching, local residents will be pleased to know that they no longer need get on an aeroplane or head to the coast if they wish to lie on a beach.

"I am delighted to see the amazing transformation that has occurred here at Bishops Park and Fulham Palace.

"I look forward to seeing hundreds of people using this fantastic new facility."

A new undulating paddling pool has also been created next to the beach, but cannot be filled until the current hosepipe ban ends.

The council has also restored the park's ornamental lake, created three new play areas and refurbished the cafe.

At Fulham Palace, the historic former home of the Bishop of London, a 95-yard stretch of what historians believe is the longest medieval moat in England has been excavated.

The council was given £3.65million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund to create the new seaside space.

Heritage Lottery Fund chairman Wesley Kerr said: "Bishops Park and the neighbouring grounds of Fulham Palace, on a spectacularly beautiful but secluded reach of the River Thames, are among the most historic landscapes in the country.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted that our investment helps make them destination green spaces for local people and Londoners to enjoy."