A CELEBRATION event has been held to mark a borough's commitment to nature after two areas received national recognition.

Peel Park and Woodnook Vale in Accrington have been recognised as the two largest local nature reserves in Lancashire.

To mark the occasion an event was held at Haworth Art Gallery, attended by guests from national and regional organisations as well as many local groups and individuals, who are giving their support.

The varied programme included activities and displays with environmental and creative themes, with children from Green Haworth primary school sharing their forest school activities and a guided walk also took place in the afternoon.

Achieving local nature reserves status follows many years of improvements and activities by a host of local organisations and groups, and the status marks the landscapes being some of the best in the country.

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: "We are so lucky to have these beautiful local landscapes, right on our doorstep and just minutes away from the heart of the town.

"We are also very fortunate to have such a strong culture of collaboration between many people and organisations with a determination to make this a better place.

"Thank you to everyone who has worked together over years to make the largest local nature reserves in Lancashire possible.”