FRIENDS of Sunnyhurst Wood will celebrate their centenary year by using money raised in donations to fix an 80-year-old footbridge.

Today the group announced that the amount raised by their flood fund appeal through donations and a wide range of charity events was £3,500. It was decided the money would go towards restoring the marble Huntington Bridge.

Chairman Dennis Gillibrand said: "We have held lots of events since the storms last year and people have been fantastic.

"Straight after the flood we started an appeal and sold green ribbons as part of the fundraising. We had people donating from all over the world, from as far as New Zealand.

"Hundreds of local people and charities have helped us and we would like to thank them for all."

The 85-acre wood contains seven miles of walks and 96 varieties of plants and flowers.

Mr Gillibrand said: "There used to be large marble stones on the top of the bridge and we want to restore these. We want people to be able to look and say: 'We did this'."

Peter Hunt, director of direct services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the work on the woods was an 'excellent' example of the community and council working together.

He said: "The Friends are to be congratulated on their various efforts following the severe storm damage caused to the infrastructure of the wood in June last year.

"In recent years the group has successfully generated funds to carry out restoration work on the drinking fountain, Huntington Bridge, picnic areas and benches which have added value to the Sunnyhurst Wood experience.

"This money was raised through fundraising events or by successfully bidding for funding that would not be accessible to the council."

The Friends underwent a joint restoration programme with the council following the storms, which is due to be completed in March.

The council has also secured £10,000 from the West Pennine Moors Partnership to repair 200 metres of main footpath and provided £38,000 along with the same amount from the Forestry Commission to treat sick and dying trees.

Mr Hunt added: "As a result of the combined efforts of the council and the Friends, by spring, the area should be restored to its natural beauty for all to enjoy."

Coun Dave Hollings said: "I think it's excellent that the Friends have managed to raise £3,500 and it just goes to show how important they are to Darwen.

"They always go to great lengths to raise money and they should be fully supported by everyone."

The Friends are looking to complete work on the bridge by late spring.