VILLAGERS have rallied round to save Tockholes gala, axed this year due to lack of support.

After an appeal for volunteers in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and village newsletter Tocus Talk, an event will be held in 2006.

Plans are under way to hold the gala, which will be renamed a country fair and combined with an event all villagers can take part in, such as a Scarecrow Festival.

It has been suggested this could take place during the week before the fair with scarecrows being put on display outside people's homes throughout the village.

Judging would then take place at the fair with prizes for various categories such as best children's entry, best OAP's entry and best pub entry.

Provisional dates for a festival are Saturday, June 25, to Saturday, July 1.

North Turton and Tockholes Ward councillor Jean Rigby said it was good news for the whole community.

She said: "I am delighted to hear that the event is going ahead once more after it being cancelled last year because a lack of support.

"The gala committee has a new chairman and there has been more interest recently. A big annual event like the gala pulls the village together which is a good thing because it results in good camaraderie.

"I think it gives people something to aspire to and look forward to for the summer during what looks like being a dreary winter."

In the past, the gala has attracted people not only from the village but also from Darwen and Bolton

It has also included a Saturday evening party in a marquee, as well as rural attractions