FRIENDS of Bold Venture Park raised £700 from a special night at the Darwen Library Theatre.

Lancashire dialect poet Jim Atherton and retired parks manager John Firth combined to provide an evening of local entertainment.

The history of Bold Venture Park from 1885 to 1999 was illustrated with photographs and documentation.

Mr Firth started work as an apprentice gardener for the park in 1954 and became parks superintendent in 1970.

The event, held last Thursday, featured Darwen-born Jim Atherton who entertained the 100-strong crowd with dialect poetry.

Julie Manton, Friends secretary, said: "We are delighted with the money we have raised and the night was a huge success.

"We also announced our new logo on the night so it was a great success all round."