A CONSERVATION group has been awarded a major cash boost in a bid to recruit more people in local areas to campaign for the countryside.

The Lancashire Branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England has received a grant over three years worth £167,000 to help recruit, train and support volunteers.

And now the team of campaigners at the Blackburn with Darwen branch are celebrating after receiving the money from the National Lottery Charities Board Community Fund.

Rita Whitlock, branch administrator, said: "A team of staff and trustees put a lot of hard work into the bid and we are very happy that it has paid off.

"This money will enable the branch to continue getting local people involved with protecting their local countryside."

Lancashire CPRE has 11 established local district groups and seeks to establish a further 14 local groups.

Anyone interested can find out more by calling 01772 456181.