CHARITIES and village projects in Tockholes have already benefited from a slice of £3,500 this year which was raised by the village hall committee.

Now villagers are being asked to put their ideas to the committee for further projects to improve the appearance of the village.

Cash has been sought by the village hall committee during the last year to benefit villagers and many businesses within Blackburn and Darwen have helped out by placing adverts in the Gala programme each year. The committee has discussed several proposals to improve Tockholes and is now hoping to hear from residents to find out what they want.

Committee member Vicky Houghton said: "It's their village so they should have a say on what the cash is spent on. The more people that get involved, the more of an insight we get into what folk want." Ideas already discussed include replacement of the benches along Tockholes Road and the restoration of the Pinfold, the old village pound at the bottom of Old School Lane. The committee has also discussed possible appointment of a lengthsman to maintain the verges and edges.

Another project mooted was entry into the Britain in Bloom competition, a similar regional alternative or the establishment of a 'within the village' competition. Activities for children were also on the agenda with a proposal for an occasional kids' club where the village hall could be converted into a cinema and could show films at the weekend.

It was agreed that this idea could also be expanded to the showing of classic films for everyone in the village.