A BLACKBURN with Darwen councillor has stepped down from his role as chairman of Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood after revitalising the organisation.

Cllr Peter Hollings became chairman of the group when it was reformed exactly 12 months ago, but stepped down at their annual general meeting on Wednesday.

The Sunnyhurst ward councillor said it was always his plan to step down when the group was reestablished as a 'popular force' in the community.

He said: "The biggest achievement has been bringing a hardworking and enthusiastic group together

"I'm incredibly proud of the people who have made the group what it is."

Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods is a community organisation of volunteers which aims to look after, raise awareness, and improve the woodlands

It had initially folded after 15 years in June 2015 following the lengthy illness of long-standing founding chairman Dennis Gillibrand.

However it reformed under the guidance of Cllr Hollings, whose work included getting the help of United Utilities to fix damaged paths and raising £10,000 to filter the pond water.

Cllr Hollings has cited work, family and councillor commitments as the reasons why he simply doesn't have the time to continue in the role.

However he said that he remains delighted at the work he has done and the state of the group and believes it is in a promising position for the future.

He said: "We have a strong group of members who were so helpful in getting the group back up and running.

"It's absolutely looking good for the future."

Through the work of the committee, volunteers and local residents the group plan to work with the local council to host regular events to take care of and enjoy the woods.

Sunnyhurst Wood is an 85 acre wooded valley featuring a wealth of wildlife, including woodland birds, plant life and species of invertebrate and mammals

Fellow ward councillor Dave Smith paid tribute to the work his colleague has done in getting the group established.

Cllr Smith said: "Pete was instrumental in setting the new group up after the old one folded.

"He made it clear he was just chairman for a year to get going. We both agree it should be a member of the public, not a councillor.

"He put in lots of good work. Everyone has said we should thank him enormously."

The new organisation will now hope to continue thriving under a new chairman, after the decision was made at the annual general meeting.