A RIBBLE VALLEY villagers are celebrating after raising more than £70,000 to revamp their park.

The playground off Church Street, Ribchester and playing fields are Ribchester described by locals as one of the most popular in the North West, attracting local people as well as day trippers and holidaymakers.

But since it was last improved 15 years ago, the equipment and fields have become rundown and worn, prompting the Ribchester Playing Fields Trust to apply for cash grants.

A total of £72,000 has been raised, with £41,000 coming from the Landfill Tax Windfall Scheme operated by the National Playing Fields Association.

Another £8,000 has come from Ribble Valley Borough Council, and a further £8,000 from a scheme operated by National Playing Fields Association.

Residents have raised £15,000 through a variety of events.

Coun John Collis, Ribble Valley's Millennium Mayor and the trust chairman, said: "We are all delighted to have got this far.

"We need to improve the swings and seesaws and we want to lay down soft surfacing so the youngsters can't hurt themselves when they fall over in the play park.

"We also want to provide disabled access and all of this is now possible thanks to the money we have raised."

Coun Collis added: "Local residents have been great. They will now benefit and they are delighted too."

The playing field was given to the people of Ribchester by Sir James Openshaw in the 1920s under the control of the trust.

At least £3,000 is needed annually to keep the park going and more cash could be on the way as trust bosses prepare a the National Lottery bid.

A spokesman for Ribchester Parish Council said: "We are over the moon and grateful to everyone who has helped make this happen, including Ribble Valley Council which has done so much."