GREEN guardians in Hapton are on a mission to reclaim derelict land and change it into havens for wildlife.

Hapton Parish Council launched its "Adopt a Verge" scheme almost two years ago and is now hoping the venture will earn it a Grimewatch award in the 1997 competition.

Members of the council and local volunteers are now busy transforming a fourth site in the village.

The Bridgefield Street site, near Hapton Railway Station, was formerly derelict after 10 terrace houses were demolished.

However, after using flowers donated by local residents, the volunteers have changed it into a beautful garden

An aluminium mural depicting Hapton castle and a deer has also been created on a nearby wall to complement the garden

The council has had help from the parks department at Burnley Council and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Hapton Parish Council clerk Mrs Jo Garrigan said: "People just love the site. The scheme has helped transform several derelict areas into gardens for the whole community."

The Hapton scheme has now been entered in the Grimewatch Awards' community project section.

The competition is open to anyone and has categories for schools, community groups, businesses, local authorities, best long term projects, grimebusters and junior grimebusters, and heritage projects. The closing date for entries is December 19, but we want to hear from you now so that your project can be publicised in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

If you have a green project on the go - or are thinking of starting a project - call Grimewatch co-ordinator Jennie Kernot on 01254 264317 or Grimewatch reporter Stewart Pimbley on 01254 678678, extension 350.

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