TWO sadly missed Astley villagers were remembered in Millennium celebrations on Saturday.

Two benches have been placed at the new Whitehead Hall Meadow beauty spot in memory of 18-years-old Tony Newton, who was killed in a tragic road accident, and founding committee member John Thornley, who died earlier this year.

Tony, of Third Avenue, who had been the village paper boy, died 18 months ago when he was hit by a car on the East Lancashire Road.

John, whose home backed onto the Millennium Green died of a stroke.

Tony's parents, Geoff and Christine, were at the opening ceremony performed by WHM Committee chairman, Betty Townsend.

Residents turned out in force to toast the new century - and the recreation area that has been created for them.

The former 20 acre colliery tip, which until the 1960s had included a popular village recreation spot with football, cricket, bowling and indoor snooker facilities, has been reclaimed for the use of future generations for the next 999 years.

The land has been developed by the Whitehead Hall Meadow Group - thanks to a £35,000 lottery grant and additional funding.

And for those who joined in the fun there were numerous activities on offer, willow weaving, bat and bird box making, bug hunting, a bird of prey display and wild flower planting.

Mrs Townsend said: "It was a fantastic day, wonderful. We paid tribute to Tony and John, two lovely people, whose memories will live on through the benches.

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"We still have plenty of plants to plant, and more work will be carried out as more cash become available."