A CLUB in Darwen has been praised for the work it does with the environment and local youngsters.

The Newrad Fisheries Club, Watery Lane, has become the first angling club in the county to be awarded Club Mark Status, a prestigious recognition of the community work completed at the site.

The club recently has announced a £200,000 transformation, which will help enhance the work completed to teach children about the environment.

The centre provides Kingfisher courses for people new to fishing, practical and theory courses and hosts the Kewl Club (Kids Environment Wildlife and Leisure), which caters for 48 children per week.

A spokesman for the group said: “The aims of both groups have been to encourage people into sport and to encourage community pride amongst the younger members in order to lessen juvenile crime, nuisance and vandalism.

“This award will strengthen our links with schools and other organisations working with young people.”

The group was set up by a small number of local residents who felt strongly about the decline of local amenities and a lack of positive activities for young people in the area.

John Flannery, vice-chairman of The Blackburn & District Sport Council, visited the club in Watery Lane to hand over the grant.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure. They do great work.

“A nicer and more dedicated group of people you could not wish to meet.”