BOLTON-BORN Emmerdale star Sammy Winward has given her backing to a campaign to protect one of the North West’s most important historical gardens.

Sammy, best known for playing Katie Sugden in the long running soap and for starring in ITV dramas Prey and Fearless, will be supporting Rivington Terraced Gardens’ ‘Squarea’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to sponsor 10 square metre patches of land across the gardens.

She says that the area is one of her favourite places to walk with her dog, Anca, and along with many locally born public figures such as Mark Radcliffe, Dave Spikey and Steve Royle, she is backing the conservation campaign.

Sammy said: “I’ve been so lucky to have Rivington on my doorstep for most of my life and have spent many an hour wandering round the beautiful lake and gardens.

“It really is something special.”

Members of the public can also get involved by sponsoring patches of land, called a ‘Squarea’ in The Japanese Garden, The Italian Lake, The Dell, The Woodlands or The Lawns for £20.

Owners of each dedicated certificate also have their name added to an online roll call and can choose to support the area that is the setting for their treasured memories.

The area has undergone a transformation in recent years, thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the work of hundreds of volunteers.

However, directors say they need additional support to raise the £100,000 annual conservation costs.

Rivington Heritage Trust director Richard Galloway said: “It’s brilliant that Sammy is showing her appreciation for the lovely walks that are to be enjoyed in the gardens and, hopefully, we will all be able to get back to enjoying soon.

“We’re thankful indebted to all our supporters for getting behind us in a year when COVID has made it so difficult for Rivington Heritage Trust and our army of volunteers to fund and keep up with maintenance works.”

To find out more, go to: https://www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk/get-involved/squarea/.