Thousands of pounds have been spent on a transformation of one of Hyndburn’s most historical parks.

Hyndburn Borough Council has made improvements to the bowling green, paths and drainage of Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle.

The work, which has cost £160,000, is aimed at encouraging more people to use the facilities.

Council leader, Peter Britciffe, has welcomed the improvements to the site which has been open to the public for more than 100 years.

Cllr Britcliffe said: "I’m delighted that by working with the Friends of Rhyddings Park we have been able to secure the £160,000 needed to bring about these long awaited improvements to the paths, drainage and bowling green in the park.

"It’s a real boost to the park and the community and just goes to show what can be achieved by working together."

As part of the revamp, around 600 linear metres of paths will be resurfaced and improvements will be made to the entrance on Fielding Lane.

An adventure play park has already been completed with the use of Lottery funding.

Fencing will be installed around the bowling green and further work will be carried out to manage water drainage away from the site.

Chair of the Friends of Rhyddings Park, Neil Mooney, added: "The Friends of Rhyddings Park are extremely pleased with the current path, drainage and fencing work within the park.

"As a group we compiled a ‘top 10’ hit list of required work and paths and drainage were at the top of the list.

"This work will transform the appearance of the park and will encourage more people to use the facilities."

Rhyddings Park, which was acquired by Oswaldtwistle Urban District Council in 1909, was originally the land of a local mill-owning family.

The first house there was rebuilt for local cotton magnate Robert Watson in the 1850s, and was later knocked down in 1938.