YOUNG footballers in Padiham are set to pitch in and celebrate the launch of a new green route through the town.

Soccer starlets from Padiham FC will don their dribbling boots on June 20 to mark the formation of the new greenway, along the route of the former railway line to Rosegrove.

Work has been ongoing over the past couple of years to create a new pathway, bordered by trees and shrubs, along the old track bed, funded by Lancashire County Council and the Northwest Development Agency.

It is hoped that the £1.5million route, running from Mollywood Lane in Rosegrove to A6068 Padiham Bypass, will become a mecca for walkers and cyclists.

Alan Smith, Padiham FC secretary, said: “The greenway is due to be officially opened in June, and there will be a series of events organised in the first week to celebrate the opening.

“The idea is that junior football players from around the area will come down and dribble a football the length of the greenway and back, and at the same time, raise money for their team or other local organisation by being sponsored for the number of times they complete the course.

“Any youngster can take part, and it gives them the chance to have a bit of fun while raising money for whichever cause they choose at the same time.”

The football club is organising certificates for everyone who takes part in the event, which kicks off at Padiham Leisure Centre at 11am.

Part of the funding for the greenway also came after environmental intiative Sustrans was successful in securing a £50million National Lottery grant for a wider paths network.

People who would like to take part in the Big Dribble are being asked to e-mail Alan at alansmithpadihamfc@yahoo.co.uk or to call him on 07775 717698.