CHILDREN 'litter-picked' a cherished area to get it ready for a summer gala.

The recreational area off Watery Lane, Darwen, was transformed from wasteland with £30,000 by residents group the Lodgeside Trust.

The area's residents get together regularly to clean up the area, and organisers thought it would be good for children to take on the task.

About 15 local children turned out on Saturday to tidy the area ready for the Lodgeside Trust Gala on July 6.