A CROWD of around 2,000 from various parts of Great Harwood joined in a community arts festival at the weekend.

The event, which was the first of its kind in Hyndburn, was organised by police, Hyndburn Borough Council, youth and community services and the Great Harwood community action group.

Visitors to Windsor Road recreation ground were entertained by local bands NRG, Ten Stone Dead and Brassanova, while the younger children got the opportunity to create their own boats and kites in the arts tent. There was also chance to have a go at touch rugby, athletics, cricket, football and quad bikes.

Community beat manager PC Helen Jackson said: "It was a superb day with such a fantastic mix of people which is what we were aiming for. It was about bringing the community together, as well as the young and old.

"Some of the young people asked if we could have more bands next year so I told them only if they were willing to help raise more money which they agreed to straightaway." Paul Hartley, youth art officer for the council, said: "The young people have been working through the summer on creating costumes and banners for the carnival and the stage. It has been a success and we are hoping to hold another one next year. We are looking to get more funding so that we can do this in every town in Hyndburn."

There was also henna painting and face painting and a health centre doing free health checks.