CHILDREN at an East Lancashire primary school will help design the refurbishment of a play area at their local park.

Hyndburn Council has confirmed that pupils from nearby All Saints Primary School will have a role in the renovation of the equipment at Mercer Park in Clayton-le-Moors.

Last month £125,000 was allocated for the overhaul of the 15-year-old playground as some of its equipment was worn out or in need of a refurbishment.

The makeover will take place in the coming 12 months.

Hyndburn Council agreed to the input from the children of All Saints in Church Road after being contacted by residents, teachers and local Clayton-le-Moors councillor Melissa Fisher.

The deputy leader of the borough Labour group was asked by one of the school's teachers if it would be possible for its pupils to get involved.

Cllr Fisher then spoke with the relevant officials and secured the commitment to have the children from the school play an integral part of the process in helping to choose suitable equipment in the play area when the design element is undertaken.

She said: “I am delighted that the parks team will involve local schoolchildren to help with design of the play area refurbishment.

"This is inspiring the children to be part of the process to choose what they would like to see in the refurbishment and will create some wonderful memories for the young people.

"I am delighted to be able to make this happen as part of the plan.

"I alongside my former council colleague Tim O’Kane have long campaigned for better play areas for years.

"This is wonderful news for Clayton.”

A Hyndburn Council spokeswoman said: "The design will be led by a collaborative approach alongside experts and consultation.

"The communication to the council for the request for school involvement in plans came directly from a resident via our social media, when we announced this funding. This was picked up quickly by our parks department directly.

"Some councillors did follow this up with the parks department, after Hyndburn Council had already received a direct request, and the parks team have confirmed that the local primary school will be consulted as part of the process."