A VILLAGE picnic attended by hundreds of people every summer has been saved, following an appeal in the Lancashire Telegraph.

Residents of Hoddlesden have enjoyed the Grand Picnic for the past decade, with live music, storytelling and food, but this summer’s event was under threat because funding from local organisations has dried up.

Last month worried committee members announced they were £500 short for the event which normally costs in the region of £850. But after an appeal was run in the Lancashire Telegraph, individual donations were made, and a grant given by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Fundraising has also been carried out buy committee members.

Committee chairman Linda Dawson said: “When it looked like we wouldn’t be able to have the picnic, it was very depressing for everyone concerned.

“It has run since 2000, getting bigger and better every year.

"Lots of people of all ages come down and it’s a great community event.

“When the donations were made, and the council agreed to make up the difference, it brought a smile to all the committee member’s faces.”

The event will now be held on Hoddlesden Millennium Green on Sunday, July 10, from 2-5pm.

A storyteller has been booked, the Transpennine Jazz Band will play, and children’s activities and face-painting will take place.

One of the biggest greens in the country, Hoddlesden was one of only 250 created in England in 2000.

Volunteers are now needed to help tidy the green before the event.

Anyone wishing to help out can call 01254 703333.