HUNDREDS of people partied in the park on Sunday to celebrate a milestone in the heart of Burnley.

Residents and local dignitaries helped mark Thompson Park’s anniversary with a fun-packed event.

The Edwardian urban park turns 80 on July 16.

Coun Charlie Briggs, leader of Burnley Council, said: “There were a lot of people who seemed to have a great day.

“There are a lot of good things about Burnley that we don’t celebrate often enough.

“This is a lovely park that contributes a lot to this town and we should celebrate it and enjoy it.

"The park rangers do a fantastic job as well, it is run on a small budget and they do brilliant work to keep it in such good condition.”

The day included a DJ, fairground rides, bouncy castles and face painting.

Thompson Park is the most ornamental park in Burnley with an Italian garden, a large rose garden with 40 rose beds and numerous other floral displays, as well as five kilometres of paths.

The park also has a three-acre boating lake, a children’s paddling pool, miniature railway, beech garden and is bisected by the River Brun.

Since 1998 the Friends of Thompson Park have met regularly.

They have supported many improvements in the park over recent years including developing the miniature railway, funding sculptures and planting an orchard.