A CHILDREN'S play area has been transformed into a makeshift beach.

Rossendale Council teamed up with Groundwork Pennine Lancashire to invite children and families to play in the temporary sandpit at Victoria Park, Haslingden, yesterday.

Children were able to play with their buckets and spades under the supervision of parents, teachers and police.

Information about proposed plans for the park was on display and everyone had a chance to voice ideas about what they would improve.

The event was part of Love Parks Week, organised by the GreenSpace charity.

Groundwork project manager Liz Hinchliffe said: "The aim of the day was to raise awareness about local parks, to get people's ideas and to let them have some fun. If they hadn't been to the park for a while it was a great opportunity to show them what's going on."

Amanda Melvin, of Park Avenue, who was there with her toddler Matthew, backed the scheme.

She said: "I live overlooking the park and I came to support what's going on and have a look at future developments.

"The park hasn't changed for 10 years, so contacting people to help with fundraising is a really good idea."

Coun Gladys Sandiford added: "It's great to see so many smiling faces and children of all ages playing together.

"It's an example of cohesion in the community irrespective of creed or colour."

As part of Love Parks Week a nature trail at Whitaker Park was due to start today at 10am and storytelling and wild flower painting sessions in The Grotto on Stubbylee Park will be held from 10am on Friday.