Students have been helping to rejuvenate the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden in the town centre.

The five students are studying Horticulture at Lancashire Adult Learning, part of the Nelson and Colne College Group.

The work is part of a £560,000 project to revitalise the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden in Church Street over two years, paid for with a grant from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The layout is being rejigged, and trees including Acer, Grey Alder, Weeping Birch and English Walnut have been planted.

The scheme aims to create 'a greener, more inviting space' that honours the area's rich heritage while fostering communal well-being.

They are working in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council, Lindsay Cook, Fran Morgan, Karen Pettitt, Ken Rishton, Raymond Watton, and their teacher Tom Butterworth to plant new trees within the garden. 

They were accompanied by two members of staff from the Council’s Parks Department.  

Head of curriculum for horticulture at LAL, Sarah Haworth, said: “It’s a really important, significant space for the people of Accrington – and it has been an honour to play a part in developing this green space.  

“The PALs memorial garden is a fantastic opportunity for learners to get involved in a project that links to the learning and also gives back to the community.”    

Besides the landscaping and structural improvements, plans are underway for a new sculpture in the seating area by the Accrington Pals Memorial.

The garden has been a venture led by Hyndburn Borough Council, supported by Accrington Town Centre Greening Group, the Royal British Legion and other partners.  

The work is expected to be completed in late Spring.  

Parks development officer at Hyndburn Borough Council, Mark Pickup, said: “It’s a great time of year to carry out the works – right at the start of the planting season.

"The garden should be quite dramatic with lots of colour once it's completed and a lovely place to sit and reflect.

“We’d like to thank the college for their support, and the students for their hard work bringing it to life.”