HUNDREDS of walkers helped recreate the moment part of a park was handed to the people of Accrington 100 years ago.

The Coppice Celebratory Procession saw around 300 people parade to the top of the Coppice at Peel Park.

They then recreated the handing over ceremony, with actor Baxter Williams playing the role of JC Lupton, the Mayor of Accrington in 1909 who accepted the land from William Peel on behalf of local people.

Coun Lynn Wilson, cabinet member for parks, arts and leisure, made a speech about the rich history of Peel Park after the recreation.

She said: “I recalled the activities that have taken place during the 100 years and expressed our gratitude to the Peel family.

“It went extremely well. The children from Peel Park Primary School were wonder-ful, their poems choked me up.

“And the re-enacment of the handover of the park was a really nice touch. It was a fun day mixed with nostalgia – the right combination.”

Musicians accompanied the 45 minute climb to the top to get everyone in the spirit and ongoing improvements to the pathways enabled disabled people to also take part.

Coun Wilson said continuing to improve accessibility was next on the agenda for Peel Park. She said: “We hope to eventually have it recognised as a national park and earmark designated walkers routes.”

In September 1909, 5,000 local schoolchildren, bands and civic dignitaries, made the same walk to the top of the Coppice.

Also speaking on Saturday were Coun Clare Pritchard, chair of the Green Spaces Forum and County Coun Graham Jones, on behalf of Remade.

The celebration, organised by the Green Spaces Forum and Hyndburn Borough Council, with funding from Awards for All and Grassroots Grants, is the latest event in an ongoing £1m improvement scheme – led by Lancashire County Council’s Remade team.