A FLEDGLING festival - where devotees have been vying ‘for a piece of the action’ - has been declared a success by the first citizens of two boroughs.

Puzzle lovers have been flocking to Ramsbottom and Edenfield’s debut jigsaw festival, which has been more than 10 months in the making.

And it’s all come together for the organisers, the Ramsbottom team Ministry, with display tables at St Paul’s boasting 400 jigsaws of all sizes and shapes.

Rev Anthony Barnshaw praised the efforts of volunteers in ensuring the venture, a partnership between St Paul’s and Edenfield Parish Church, had been such a triumph, before Mayor of Bury Coun Michelle Wiseman officially launched the event.

She was joined by Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Thomas Aldred, with both civic leaders able to reminsce over fond memories of jigsaws from their formative years.

Organiser David Foster said: “Although jigsaw festivals have been held elsewhere, I think that this is a first for our part of the country. If it’s successful, who knows, it might become an annual event.”

No-one would bet against this happening, with the town already home to its own boutique music gathering, world black pudding throwing contest and festivals devoted to chocolate and pies on the calendar.

The final session will take place today (Sat) at the Bridge Street church. All of the puzzles on show will be available to buy and new examples are being added to the collection, as the festival gathers pace.

Admission is £2 and there will also be a cafe and stalls on hand.