WORK is set to start on two children's play areas designed by youngsters.

Equipment for the sites in Church was chosen by more than 25 young people who attended a consultation event last month.

The projects are part of a £130,000 improvement scheme for the area.

Land on Church Street, Church, will be transformed into a high-tech play area for eight to 15-year-olds and will include an aeroskate - a fixed skate rail with moving board and handrail - a double gyro spinning machine, an aerial slide and a roundabout.

There will also be a kickabout area including goalposts, basketball/netball hoops, a cricket wicket, and sheltered seating.

Professional coaches will visit the kickabout area to coach youngsters in a variety of sports.

The play equipment is due to be installed today, with the sheltered seating being fitted next month.

In India Street youngsters have chosen more traditional play equipment for a park for children up to the age of eight, including a slide, roundabout and see-saw, which will also be installed next month.

Both sites will have colourful safety surfacing under all equipment.

Plants and artwork for a sensory area in France Street, Church, will be chosen by the public in the new year.

All three sites have been play areas in the past but became redundant with the introduction of new health and safety legislation.

Funding for the scheme came from the Action PACT project, the North West Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund, Hyndburn Council and Lancashire County Council.

Alan Pearson, chairman of Church Kirk Residents Association, said: "It's brilliant, it's something we have been after for two years now. The children of Church Kirk are really looking forward to it, the Church Street park is a high tech park and more challenging than a normal one."

Ward councillor and Labour leader Jean Battle said: "It will be great for the kids to have somewhere to play in the area, especially as they have been involved in the design."

Work will be complete by Groundwork East Lancashire and an official open day is planned for later in the year.