A UNIQUE ‘sting’ operation has seen bumble bees, butter-flies and insects encouraged to move in on a new patch in Darwen town centre.

Wildlife enthusiast David Pack asked for help in creating the wildlife-friendly meadow at Shorey Bank, also known as Robin Bank, next to the River Darwen.

Council workmen agreed to postpone cutting the grass on site until July to allow yellow rattle to flower and seed.

Coun Alan Cottam said: “Mr Pack asked for our help and we were happy to help.

“It was a simple matter of rescheduling our normal grass cutting routine.

“But has really paid off with the number of bees and butterflies now visiting the site.”

“The whole area is a picture. A wide range of flowers and grasses are flowing and the area is buzzing with bumblebees, other insects and butterflies.

"It really is like an old fashioned hay meadow and it’s a positive contribution to bio-diversity in the borough.”