VOLUNTEERS who created Hoddlesden's Millennium Green are celebrating a hat-trick of honours in the last three years.

For the community-managed green space has landed a Green Pennant Award from the Civic Trust - following on from a Lancashire Evening Telegraph Grimewatch award in 2001 and an award for services to the environment by Darwen Civic Trust in 2002.

A party was held in the village at the weekend to celebrate the latest award, and chairman of the Millennium Green Trust Linda Dawson said everyone was delighted.

She said: "I am really pleased and proud especially for the committee which worked extremely hard and continues to, and also for the village. We have certainly put Hoddlesden on the map and the Green is an asset to the community."

Judges decided to award the project a Green Pennant after studying the Millennium Green and being won over by its many features.

They commented on the site's accessibility and open vista which they said 'aided a feeling of personal security on-site', the informative signage which incorporated historical information, its overall maintenance and that the area was free of litter, graffiti and vandalism.

The panel also praised the re-use of waste materials, the promotion of the site locally, the community involvement in decision-making and operations and the enthusiasm and productivity of the management group.

A statement from the judging panel said: "Hoddlesden Millennium Green is managed by a very enthusiastic and well-organised community group that enjoys taking a hands-on approach to the overall management and maintenance of their green space.

"The site is clean, well maintained and is clearly well loved by its local users. Hoddlesden Millennium Green Trust has clearly worked extremely hard within this site and well deserves a Green Pennant Award this year."

Mrs Dawson added that more volunteers could bring the scheme further success in future.

She said: "If anyone wants to join the committee I would welcome them on board or to help out on working weekends. We always need people to come up with new ideas."

The Millennium Green was opened in September 2000 by actress Rosemary Leach after the trust received £42,000 of Lottery cash.

A "carols by candlelight" event will be held on the Millennium Green on Sunday, December 7, starting at 6.30pm. Music for the event, which is in its third year, will be provided by Darwen Brass Band. There will also be free mince pies and mulled wine.