AN East Lancashire family is looking forward to a green new Millennium.

The Walsh family, of Holcombe Road, Helmshore, have spent the last five years transforming an area of barren land close to their home.

Jim and Julie Walsh and their daughters, Katherine and Lyndsey, are aiming to develop a wooded site which will be a sanctuary for wildlife and birds and somewhere for local children to play.

They have planted thousands of trees, made improvements to the drainage of the site, constructed a pond and are rebuilding the boundary walls. Trees have also been planted to mark major events, such as the death of the Princess of Wales and the Royal Golden Wedding.

The project has become part of the National Farmers' Union Millennium Avenues scheme, which aims to provide a living commemoration of the year 2000.

The family has entered the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch competition, which rewards all kinds of green schemes. The competition, run in conjunction with the Tidy Britain Group, Groundwork, the Environment Agency and British Aerospace, is now in its 11th year. There are categories for schools, community groups, businesses, local authorities and individuals.

For full details of how to enter ring the Grimewatch line on 01254 678678 ext 244, send an e-mail to vcowan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk or a fax to 01254 680429.

Closing date for entries is December 10.

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