VOLUNTEERS braved wintry weather to learn more about traditional skills.

The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) invited local people to get their hands dirty by joining in a tree-planting session at the site of the Waterside Millennium Green, which is taking shape in Colne.

BTCV is one of the groups behind the scheme to transform an area between Shaw Street and Colne Water, in the Waterside area of the town, into a public space with paths, open areas and an open-air stage for performances.

The open day on Saturday also included a chance for people to try their hand at making willow creatures and a giant stone tortoise that will grace the green at nearby Primet Community Centre.

It was one of a series of days to be held throughout the year to encourage the local community to get involved with the green scheme.

Claire Falinower is pictured helping son James plant a tree during the conservation open day.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.