A centure old East Lancashire park is set for a major upgrade thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It has awarded £248,650 towards a £338,650 to refurbish Great Harwood's Memorial Park.

The bid for lottery cash followed a 2021 consultation which showed that nearby residents wanted improvements to the park's facilities including sustainable horticulture and footpath renovations.

There was also desire to have more activities in the park to encourage more people to use the space.

The project includes the replacement of damaged boundary railings, repairs to the war memorial and memorial grounds, repairing stone tree pits. tree management work, upgrading paths and installing boardwalks in the woodland, installing bins and seating, the installation of a bird box camera and a programme of activities and engagement with the local community.

Cllr Steven Smithson, Hyndburn Council's parks boss, said: “I am very pleased we have been successful in securing £248,650 for the delivery stage of the project.

"Including funding from landfill council tax from Lancashire Environment Fund, a Hyndburn Council contribution and gift in-kind work the total project value amounts to £338,650.

"This is fantastic news for the local area and for the whole of Hyndburn. Investing in our green spaces across the borough will continue to be a priority."

Netherton ward's Cllr Noordad Aziz said: "Anything which invests in our green spaces and Great Harwood is to be welcomed.

"This lottery grant shows how important Memorial Park is as a focal point for the town and its residents."

Cllr Carole Haythornthwaite, Lancashire County Councillor for Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors and local resident, said: “This fantastic news would not be possible without the work of groups such as the Friends of Memorial Park who help to maintain the space, push for investment and encourage the community to get involved through events.”

Martin Proffitt, director of Proffitts Community Interest Company which will manage the project, said: "The funding boost means a huge amount to the people in Great Harwood, and we’re thrilled that we can move on to delivering the project that we have spent so long planning.

"The 100-year-old memorial park is much loved, and the improvements and activities planned will ensure that the park remains a key part of the community long in to the future.’’