MEMBERS of a community group got their first chance to see an environmental award they won for their plans to regenerate a landmark building when they held a fund-raising coffee morning.

Alkincoats Land Preservation Group received a merit honour in a scheme organised by the Community Action Network, a network of groups aimed at promoting the environment.

The award was to have been presented by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice at a ceremony at the beginning of the month but no members of the group were able to attend.

Instead the award was sent to the group, which is based at St George's Hall at the entrance to Alkincoats Park, Colne.

Yesterday it held pride of place during a coffee morning and tombola which raised £150 towards a fund the group has set up to buy the hall which has been put on the market for £20,000 by its owner Colne Parish Church.

Group chairman, Margaret Toft, said: "We were given the award for our plans for St George's Hall. We want to update the building and improve the area around it so it can be used as a community centre which is much needed around here."

The group has raised around £3,000 and was given a boost this week when it received charitable status.

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