YOUNGSTERS have been rewarded for their efforts in helping shape their community.

Children from Cloughfold Primary, St Peter's Primary, Staghills Nursery, as well as youth and community groups in the area all took part in the initiative -- which involved coming up with ideas to help develop Cloughfold recreation ground.

The Doorstep Green project, which has received funding to of £3,500 from the Lottery's New Opportunities Fund and the Countryside Commission is aiming to help communities develop areas of open space.

Organisers asked school and community groups to come up with ideas as to how youngsters wanted to see the land developed.

More than 400 entries were received with the idea from the designs being used to help a landscape artist develop Cloughfold recreation ground.

Ideas such as a grannies' knitting shelter and an enchanted garden could be incorporated into the design.

Christine Lomax, of Cloughfold Action Group, said: "The kids were great, the entries were really good and are now on show at the Weavers' Cottage.

"There were some some real gems of ideas including a zoo with a section for stray cats, a roller coaster, a fireworks show every Friday night and mountains and sunshine, which received a special prize.

"But the main idea which came out was to leave it as an open space for somewhere to play while including environmental themes and a pond."

Presentations were made at Staghills and Newchurch Primary School, Cloughfold Primary and St Peter's to award prize winners.

The community consultation is still open for ideas.

People should contact Cherry Foster on 01706 210884 or Christine on 01706 217083.

WINNERS:

Three and under: 1st Staghills Nursery School; Runner-up Christopher Cocklin, Staghills Nursery.

Four-11 year-olds: Ist Michael Rabbett, St Peter's; Runner-up Nadia Kauser, Cloughfold Primary; Runner-up Tasha Bolton and Rowina Hartley, Newchurch; Runner-up Colm Kennedy, St Peter's; Special prize of Merit, Anthony Pegg, St Peter's.

11-16: 1st Amy Foster; Runner-up Niall Higson.

16 and over: 1st John Burgess, Cloughfold; Runner-up Sarah Gansler, Cloughfold.