FRIENDS of Sunnyhurst Wood are sending out a big thank-you to the 2,000 people who attended their centenary gala on Sunday.

The gala, celebrating 100 years of the woods, featured a dog show, brass band and children's activities.

Deputy mayor Coun David Foster and deputy mayoress Coun Karimeh Foster turned out to the event together with Darwen MP Janet Anderson and Coun Dave Smith.

Dennis Gillibrand, chair of the Friends, said: "At one point we had so many people that the woods were packed. We estimate around 2,000 people visited the event during the afternoon.

"We would like to thank members of the public who showed their support to the gala, despite the bad weather in the morning. It was an excellent turn-out. We also want to thank the council who did an excellent job preparing the site and its paths ready for the day."

Entries into the dog show raised £83 but the full amount raised at the gala is not yet known.