A GROUP of dads who cleared an unofficial tip have now won money to create a community garden.

Blackburn Diocese, together with Darwen's SureStart, Bootstrap Enterprises and residents of the St James' area of Sudellside, have come together to form the town's very own 'Eden Project'.

The aim is to restore waste land in the deprived area and create a community gardening scheme to attract jobs.

Martyn Halsall, diocesan communications manager, said: "A gardeners' market will sell fresh produce to the Darwen community and our long-term goal will be to bring hope to an area of high unemployment."

Enthusiasm for the 'green' zone was fuelled by fathers in the area who began an eight-month programme to clear land behind Ivinson Road. A total of £8,000 has now been invested in the scheme by Blackburn with Darwen Council and a variety of community organisations.

Mark Norman, an unemployed voluntary worker who has helped develop the area, said: "Hopefully it will be something great for the community. I'd like to see wind tunnels so we can grow a variety of produce all year round. We will be selling locally grown fruit and vegetables."

Two part-time jobs will be offered at the beginning of the project.

David Stokes, a tutor at Myerscough Agricultural College, who works with the group every week, said: "Getting people used to being back in work and into a routine of work is very important. There are also the benefits to health and developing new interests.

"It is a rather fluid group with people coming and going. It's good that it's developing but we need to attract more people."

Funding has been provided by Blackburn with Darwen community green grant, Bootstrap Enterprises and Sure Start together with other community businesses.

Debbie Charlesworth, Sure Start family life co-ordinator, said: "The aim is to develop this into a thriving community business. We want to get the whole community involved, including children. The idea is to sell the produce and plough money back into the community to buy new facilities."

Anyone interested in joining the team should attend the next meeting at the Sure Start building in Lord Street on Wednesday, June 25 at 11am. Sure Start organisers also need volunteers to help motivate people to work on a wide variety of community projects.

For more information, contact Debbie on 01254 675872.