ACCRINGTON town centre could be redeveloped to include a working farmyard and a huge fountain, if students get their way.

The plans have been drawn up by pupils at Moorhead Community Sports College and also include a scheme for a performing arts stage for over Scaitcliffe Lodge and an activity centre.

The youngsters have been backed in preparing the plans by Elevate, the area's housing renewal company, and they will form part of consultations over Hyndburn Council's regeneration "masterplan" for the area.

Deputy leader of Hyndburn Council, Coun Brian Roberts said: "It is always interesting to hear a fresh perspective and the report will be taken seriously. Some of these ideas are a bit outlandish but we will bear them all in mind."

Students at Moorhead have been joined by experts from Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Sheffield University to work up ideas for the future of the town centre.

Their ideas will now be published in a book to help influence Hyndburn Council's regeneration of the town centre.

Jez Dolan, who has been working with the pupils, aged between 13 and 15, said: "It is about looking at the town with a fresh perspective.". Mr Dolan, who works for the group Creative Partnerships, the Government's flagship creativity programme for schools and young people, added: "Rather than just hearing the kids say that Accrington is boring we wanted to see what their ideas are and what they see for the town centre in the future."

At a launch event at the Globe Centre in Scaitcliffe Street, Accrington, the pupils unveiled their ideas, which were seen by visiting Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper.

Francesca Hodgson, 15, presented her plan for a farmyard area for Broad-way. She said: "There's nothing unique about Accrington and if the town is to compete then we need something different.

"A farmyard area with sheep would be fun and educational and make people realise that there is more to the area than just what is in the town."

Fellow student Chelsie Masterman, 13, added: "It would be great to see these designs become a reality."