AN enterprising mum has opened a cafe on a recreation ground in a bid to raise money for a Darwen football club.

Louise Morley, 47, started selling refreshments to raise funds to extend the car park and access road at the Darwen Rangers Football Club where her husband coaches and three of her four sons play.

It is part of a wider project to improve the area and encourage people to make use of the facilities.

The auxilliary nurse, from Lower Darwen, said the hut was previously used by the cricket club.

She said: "We need a better car park for Sandy Lane. We are doing it for the club and to help the residents as it means people won't need to park outside their homes.

"There's a real buzz about the place at the moment and it's created a nice atmosphere. The hut is is open for all training sessions and for matches before the season ended.

"Residents come down for a coffee and the children come and get their sweets after a session. It is bringing the community together."

Mrs Morley said coffee and tea cost £1 and she is hoping to offer butties once the kitchen is extended and she has her food hygiene certificates.

"I know what it is like for families so I wanted to keep it reasonable," she said.

"It is all done voluntary. I love it and I love to see the kids enjoying themselves and their little faces when they come to get their sweets."

Other parents have also been lending a hand.

Ian Cordingley, club chairman, said: "We have a strong general committee working together who are committed to providing a fun time for young people who are playing and training with the club.

"There is a good feeling about the club and Sandy Lane at the moment which has been achieved by the number of parents who have volunteered to make the area brighter, friendlier and cleaner."

He said they have a number of skilled parents who are supplying materials or working for free to help extend the kitchen, build new toilets and help with the access road and car park extension.

He said: "Matt Waite, a parent and plumbing company owner, has made it possible with the help of local companies JR Groundwork, Howarth Timber, Plumbase and Red Ring."

He added they are looking for more companies to get involved and sponsor the club.

"It is our intention to involve all the residents in the Lower Darwen area, particularly older people to come and enjoy the fresh air, watch some football whilst sitting down in our cafe area."

The Sandy Lane club is holding a mini football tournament and fun day to raise money on June 24. All proceeds will go towards the Square Meadow Ground Development Project.