A DILAPIDATED hostel garden will be transformed into a woodland and wildlife sanctuary thanks to a £15,000 grant.

The former Earby Youth Hostel will breathe a new life into the centre following the grant from the Lancashire Environment Fund to convert the site as well as other essential works to the building.

The new wildlife garden will fulfil a variety of functions including improving public accessibility by renewing a damaged public footpath fence and bridge.

The money will also contribute to preventative flood defence measures to slow water run-off from Wentcliff brook that has contributed to flooding in Earby.

The revitalised garden will help promote the hostel; encourage users to develop an appreciation of the garden by promoting environmental sustainability and local wildlife.

Work is set to start in the spring and the hostel will employ a conservation volunteer to help create the garden and its future maintenance.

Earby Town Councillor and member of the Friends of Earby Hostel, Cllr Chris Tennant, said: “This is wonderful news for the old hostel and for Earby.

“It is the culmination of an immense amount of effort over the last decade by Earby Town Council, Friends of Earby Hostel, Pendle Council and other supporters who have fought to keep the hostel going and to embark on a new exciting future as an independent eco-friendly hostel for visitors wishing to enjoy our lovely local countryside.

“Earby Town Council’s direct role is an exciting and unique example of how town and parish councils represent the interests of the local community, help promote a greater commitment to environmental sustainability alongside benefitting the wider local economy.”

The original Earby Youth Hostel was originally bequeathed to the Youth Hostel Association in the 1950s as a permanent memorial to its previous owner, Katherine Bruce Glasier, a prominent social reformer and political activist of the early 20th century.

The grant is another phase of ongoing repair and modernisation work at the hostel being undertaken by local contractors that is part funded by Earby Town Council, Pendle Council and the newly appointed hostel managers, Mark and Lisa Baxby.

They said: “We are really looking forward to re-establish Earby as an independent eco-friendly hostel and have been very encouraged by the commitment and enthusiasm from Earby Town Council and the Friends of Earby Hostel to get the hostel up and running again.

“We are keen to create a warm welcoming place for people to stay whilst enjoying the outdoors and exploring the local area.”