ORGANISERS of the fourth annual Sunnyhurst Family Gala want people to make this year's event the best yet - so they can raise vital money for improvements to Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen.

The gala in the woods on Sunday, August 8, has again been organised by the Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood who need funds to help them work through their wish list of improvement and renovations.

Top of the list is the modernisation of the old toilets in the woods and improvements to the drainage to avoid a repeat of the floods of a couple of years ago.

Shirley Ikin, event organiser, said: "We are slowly bringing the woods back to life and people have said how nice it is looking but we have still got a list of things to do. Unfortunately we had the stone balls stolen from the bridge recently which cost £2,000 which was upsetting but that will have to go to the bottom of the list again now.

"We are having new toilets installed, and there's nappy-changing and disabled facilities, so it costs a lot of money.

"We hope the gala will fill the coffers again. The jewel in the crown would be the renovation of the bandstand but that's a long way off yet. The main thing is the drainage.

"The Friends of Sunnyhurst are working hard for the woods because everyone loves it here."

The gala takes place between 1 and 5pm and will be opened by the mayor, Coun David Foster. The show will include an eight-category dog show as well as entertainment from the Balderstone Brass Band and Accrington Pipe Band.

Children's attractions will include a roundabout, bouncy castle, face painters, children's slide, rabbits and guinea pigs, and a painting competition.

There will also be a tombola, birds of prey, an art exhibition, nature trails and a barbecue. Stalls will include Pets in Need, Cancer Research, cakes and Name the Teddy.

The event is sponsored by the Friends, Blackburn with Darwen culture, leisure and sport department, a community chest grant and local businesses. Anyone wanting a stall should contact Shirley on 01254 703959.