MONTHS of hard work by local residents paid off when 80-year-old Jessie Pedlow officially opened a children's play area named in her honour after she led the fight to make their dreams become reality.

Jessie, whose house in Sefton Terrace, Burnley, overlooks the playground, was the inspiration behind Jessie's Park.

On Saturday she was joined by Burnley Council leader Kath Reade and a town crier to cut a ribbon and open the playground in front of residents and local youngsters.

She said: "It's terrific. The residents' group first discussed the idea of a park 12 months ago and we've managed it in that short time.

"It certainly comes up to my expectations but looks like it's going to be so popular we'll need an extension before too long." Local people, young and old, helped transform the back walls of the yards of nearby homes by painting colourful murals.

"Everyone joined in and it really created a community spirit," said Jean Greenall, treasurer of the Piccadilly Area Residents' Association (PARA), founded and chaired by Jessie.

A wrought iron sign welcomes visitors to Jessie's Park. "It's wonderful to have your name in iron, even better than having it in lights," she joked during the opening ceremony.

"I want to thank all the children and the people in the area for their help in making this scheme possible."

Funding for the project was provided from a number of different groups, including £4,000 from the Burnley Challenge Fund, £3,600 from the Foundation for Sports and Arts and other donations included change collected and donated by two anonymous pensioners.

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