A GRADE II listed bandstand in Nelson that has been a magnet for vandals for many years has re-opened following a £66,000 refurbishment.

More than two years ago the bandstand in Victoria Park was identified by Pendle Council parks department as a priority for repairs.

Since then it has been working with the Friends of Victoria Park to restore the feature to its former glory and bring it back into use.

Work has included repairing the guttering and making the building water tight, repairing and painting the ceiling, ripping up the concrete floor, and repairing the stone work.

It has also involved restoring original metal work, replacing the hedge with railings and installing a power supply to help with the running of events.

A special ceremony was held in the park to re-open it to the public.

Bands performed and there was also dancing, fairground rides, a birds of prey display and an illusionist.

Councillor Allan Buck, deputy Mayor of Pendle, said: "Approximately £66,000 has been spent renovating the bandstand so this day is really designed to show off the hard work we have been doing.

"The Friends of Victoria Park kick-started the project when they managed to raise £16,000 through the Canal Corridor Small Projects Fund with support from Groundwork and Pendle Environment Network.

"Pendle Council then put forward the remaining £50,000, which should make it a sound investment for the future."

Parks manager Colin Patten said: "We have worked hard on the bandstand adding new gutters, replacing the floor, resetting the stone work, making the metal work match the original style, replacing the hedge with railings and there is now even a power supply to help with the running of events.

"Overall the improvements should help to modernise the bandstand and make it a better facility for the community."