PLANS to rejuvenate waterside communities along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal have received a £200,000 cash boost.

The Canal Small Projects Fund has received an immediate windfall of £100,000 from the Big Lottery, formerly the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, to spend on projects which will improve the appearance of communities in the borough.

And the extra funding which includes an additional £50,000 for the next two years means the project can be extended to the whole of Pendle.

The organisation was formed in 2003 to brighten up Nelson and Brierfield. Funding has been granted for initiatives including a healthy walks scheme, a heritage trail, a sensory garden at Victoria Park and improvements to the Quarry Hill Nature Reserve.

Tricia Wilson, canal corridor development co-ordinator, said the extra cash would be used to fund further projects and urged people to contact her with ideas.

She said: "This is a big boost to canal regeneration in Pendle. We will now be able to fund lots more exciting projects across the borough.

"The fund gives people the opportunity to make a difference to their own neighbourhoods. It is a great chance to clean up some of Pendle's grot-spots. "

The fund is for projects delivered by community and voluntary organisations or local businesses and benefit the whole community.

They can be as small as a community litter pick or more ambitious like setting up a nature trail. Applicants must be able to demonstrate close links to the canal.

Anyone interested in applying for funding should contact Tricia Wilson on 01282 661964.