A CARTOON-style film starring schoolchildren and volunteers has been created to help Barnoldswick’s entry in this year’s North West in Bloom contest.

Barnoldswick Town Council asked local production company the Reverb Factory to create the five-minute film to boost the town’s first ever bid in the annual contest.

Featuring local beauty spots and the work of volunteers, it combines stills, moving pictures and animation and also stars pupils from St Joseph’s RC Primay and Coates Lane Primary.

The clip has been played to judges, but it is hoped it will inspire people in the town to spruce up their homes, businesses and public areas to help the bid.

Bryan Fieldhouse, of the Reverb Factory, said: “Initially the town council wanted a simple power point presentation, but I had seen the work being done by volunteers and how committed they were, so I thought I would go the extra mile and make an animated-type film, and it has worked quite well.

“I went to film Valley Gardens. I remember going there as a child, but I hadn’t been there for years. They have put a lot of effort into doing it up - it’s quite inspiring.

“The film is a call out to people in Barnoldswick, young people especially, to get them involved in the community.”

Coun David Whipp said: “The main purpose is to promote Barnoldswick in Bloom as a competition for people to embrace.

“We want to inspire and encourage people to take part and show them how they can get involved.

“The video itself has gone global. It has had hundreds of hits across the world, as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the USA.

“It is really putting Barnoldswick on the map and showing what a beautiful town we live in.”