DERELICT land once used as a rubbish dump is now the site of a smart new children's playground.

The site at Dorset Avenue, Padiham, has been developed by Burnley Council and funded by a grant from English Partnerships.

Dog grids have been installed at the entrances to the play area to keep dogs out and there is a surfaced track for skateboarding, cycling or walking on. The play area has woodchips underneath to ensure a soft landing should anyone fall from the equipment.

Senior landscape officer Becky Dacre said: "The local residents have been very supportive throughout, even providing the contractors with cups of tea! Hopefully this will ensure the success of the play area and surrounding landscaping."

The play area is one of the projects entered in the local authority section of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch awards.

The awards, run in conjunction with Groundwork, the Tidy Britain Group, the Environment Agency and British Aerospace, reward all kinds of green projects.

Judging takes place this week and winners will be announced in March.

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