ORGANISERS of the first party in the park for Edgeside residents are hoping for a huge turnout to help raise funds to improve leisure facilities for local youngsters.

Sunday's event, from 11am to 5pm at Edgeside Park, will be opened by the Mayor and Mayoress, Coun Jimmy Grogan and his wife, Lois, who will also judge a children's painting competition.

Edgeside and District Residents Association has organised the event which will include a dog display and novelty dog show, arranged by Rossendale Dog Training Club, with classes from the prettiest bitch to fancy dress and best expression.

Farmer Bill Heslop will be herding geese with his sheepdogs, Accrington Pipe Band will play along with Stacksteads Junior Band and the Britannia Coconutters.

There will also be a car boot sale in the park from 8am onwards.

The event is being held to raise money for a half-pipe for local youngsters to skateboard and roller skate on in the park.