Work to upgrade the children’s playgrounds in two Darwen parks is set to give the local youngsters a summer holiday boost.

The town's Bold Venture Park and Whitehall Park both seen a modernisation investment of £100,000 each.

In March funding for the improvement of parks right across Blackburn with Darwen borough was announced as part of the council’s budget for 2024/2025.

A total of £200,000 has been spent on the children’s playgrounds at the two Darwen venues, giving the town’s children somewhere nice to visit, stay active and get some fresh air.

Whitehall Park’s play area is now fully open for the school holidays.

The equivalent at Bold Venture Park will open imminently after the final modifications and safety checks have taken place.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s environment boss, Cllr Jim Smith, said: "I have visited both parks since the work has been undertaken and already I can see from the delight on the children’s faces how welcome these investments are.

"This is money well spent and I’m glad to see the project finally come to fruition after months of planning."

At Whitehall Park, there is a wide range of new equipment which is inclusive to all. This includes new swings, including one suitable for visitors with mobility disabilities, a floor-level roundabout, and a hatch to serve ice cream from.

It’s got a new cycle track, similar to the one installed at Witton Park earlier this year, perfect for children who are new to riding a bike.

Local volunteers Lucy Derbyshire, Rita Billington and Vicki Davies, from the Whitehall Park Supporters Group, said: "Years ago, people from the borough had to travel out of town to visit a park which was such a shame, especially for those who didn’t have access to a car.

"Now Whitehall Park is accessible for everybody and allows children to be active in a safe space. Being directly on the main road, the park is accessible and easy to travel to.

"The play area is inclusive and safe and it’s so nice to see the children enjoying it."

At Bold Venture Park, the changes have given the play area an outdoor adventure feel.

A new wood mulch area has been created especially for toddlers where children can cross the rope bridge.

There’s also a new climbing frame with a slide and a red train.

Warren Chapman and Jenny Foy from The Friends of Bold Venture Park, said: "We are absolutely thrilled about the investment in Bold Venture Park.

"The play area is incredibly well used and simply wore out through use, so the upgrade is welcomed."