TODAY we focus on a serene Edwardian scene from Sunnyhurst Wood in Darwen.

People as far as the eye can see are sat in their Sunday splendour as a they are serenaded by musicians with their sheet music on stands set out before them on the grass.

Row upon row of chairs has been set out among the trees, as large crowds gather on the path, top right, so they, too, can listen to the recital.

The date is 1912 and it is the opening of the wood's cafe chantant - or singing cafe; the circular shelter where it took place, being the gift of Charles Spencer Greenway.

In this unusual outdoor cafe, small groups of performers, as can be seen here, in relaxed pose, wearing their straw boaters, could perform popular music for the public.

In the early 1800s, the wood had been used for hunting, before it was purchased by Eccles Shorrock, who then sold it to Darwen Corporation 50 years later, in 1903.

More than £2,700 was raised by public subscription for the 85 acres, thanks to the efforts of Ald John Tomlinson, who served as mayor of the borough from 1900-1902.