A Blackburn Rovers star and a nightclub have joined forces in a bid to raise £9,000 to create a children's playground safe.

Owners of Never Never Land in Market Street Lane, Blackburn, and former Blackburn Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft have organised a charity night to raise the money for Newfield School, in Roman Road.

Playground equipment at the school cannot be used by pupils because wood chippings on the floor, used to protect children playing, are in a state of disrepair.

Now Newfield School pupils, who all have complex learning difficulties, can only look at the equipment, as it no longer complies with government legislation. Garry Flitcroft will be appearing at the charity event at Never Never Land on Wednesday, February 13.

Event organiser James Foley said: "These children do not get to play properly and that to me is a big deal."

Deputy Head Andrew Ford said: "Their recreation is very important to them and this funding will help enormously."

He added: "It is really difficult for the children to see the play equipment like that and not be able to use it."

The school was established thanks to funding from the local education authority at Blackburn with Darwen Council 18 months ago but further funding to repair the equipment, which is designed to develop gross motor skills, is unavailable.

More than 150 pupils attend the school, travelling on special transport not only from the local area but Preston and Bolton.

The event starts at 8pm and tickets are priced £5 with all proceeds going to the school's appeal.