A HALLOWE'EN party at a new drop-in centre in Rossendale has been hailed a roaring success and a mark of things to come.

The party was organised by the Stacksteads Riverside Park Group and attracted around 40 people - most in fancy dress - to the centre in Newchurch Road.

Councillor Michael McShea, chairman of the group, was called in to judge the fancy dress competition and chose the winner as Becky Egan, 7, of Waterfoot who dressed as Dracula.

Coun McShea said: "The night was a wonderful success. The volunteers worked very hard over a few days to decorate the centre and it was nice to see so many families enjoying themselves together.

"It's early days for the centre so this success was very important to us and demonstrates the need for such a facility in the village."

The centre, opened in June by Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson, provides a base for a wide range of community activities.

The Stacksteads Riverside Parks Group was set up ten years ago and since then has raised £200,000 to improve the lives and the community of Stacksteads. Last year the group celebrated the opening of the Riverside Park.

Following the success of the Halloween party the group are now planning a Lancashire Night for later in the month.

The drop-in centre is open every morning from 9am to 1pm.