VILLAGERS have gathered round to come up with ways of spending a £100,000 grant.

The response of people in Hoddlesden has even surprised its local councillor, who has been inundated with calls.

Councillor Fred Slater said he seemed to have spoken to everyone in Hoddlesden about the money.

"News of the grant seems to have caught the imagination of the village," said Coun Slater.

"I have been getting phone calls at home and my surgeries have been full of people with ideas.

"The whole community has got involved, the headteacher at St Paul's Primary has offered to open the school for meetings of a committee we will be forming soon."

The £100,000 grant has been given to the East Rural ward, which takes in Hoddlesden, Pickup Bank, Eccleshill and Blacksnape by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Most of the money comes from the Government as part of a public service agreement with Blackburn with Darwen Council. The council is providing £25,000 from its own funds.

Coun Slater said: "There are so many things the money can do and I would like to see a broad section of people involved from schools to churches to councillors to representatives of businesses, farmers and the Hoddlesden Millennium Green Trust.

"The grant must be spent on projects that will benefit the whole community."

"I personally would like to see a doctor's surgery as people from Hoddlesden and Pickup Bank have to go into either Blackburn or Darwen to see a GP. A facility in Hoddlesden would be great." and especially help OAPs and pregnant women."