EARCROFT residents will be getting into the swing of things at the Darwen Gala this year.

The residents association will be giving the organisers a helping hand on the Saturday, August 16.

Melanie Hargreaves, treasurer of the residents association, said: "Last year we obtained funding to design costumes and a float.

"This year we will have a space theme as opposed to last year when we had a sea theme.

"We did a great job with the costumes and it was a lot of fun."

Residents will be invited to the community base on Hawkshaw Avenue for five afternoons before the gala.

Melanie said: "We had more than thirty people last year and it was a real success. We just hope the weather stays good this year and that the community really gets involved in our project."

For more information on how to take part in the activities, contact the centre on 01254 775248.