A CHILDREN’S charity which is based in East Lancashire is looking to its Victorian roots for the inspiration behind its fundraising venture.

Child Action Northwest, which has its headquarters at the old Blackburn Orphanage building in Wilpshire, is holding a pound day charity event — 120 years since the first one was organised in 1892.

The Government slashed all £1.4million of the organisation’s funding last year and so the aim of the day is to raise vital funds to help secure a bright future for the children and young people the charity works with.

Traditionally, pound day encouraged local people to donate a pound in money or a pound in weight of something useful to the running of the home.

But this year’s Victorian-themed fun day will also include a helter skelter ride, a chair-o-plane and traditional side stalls, Victorian dressing up and storytelling.

Child Action Northwest has received Heritage Lottery funding to support the open day, which it is hoped will encourage other companies, schools and community groups to stage their own pound days.

Margaret Evans, one of the volunteers, said: “The event is for the families we work with, as well as activities for young and old to come together to find out about our history and learn about how we continue to support children and young people in need today.”

Child Action Northwest attracted crowds of people to its first open day in September last year and so for this event, a park and ride service from Carr Hall Garden Centre will be provided.

For more information about pound day, which will take place on 24 June, visit www.poundday.org.uk for more information.