NESTLED between the gently flowing River Irwell and the bustling M66, Nuttall Park has been the pride of Ramsbottom since it opened to the public in 1928 and is still going strong today.

That is largely thanks to a team of rangers, crown green bowlers and upbeat neighbours arranging regular events to keep the 26-acre site thriving.

However, numbers of the Friends of Nuttall Park group have dwindled to just 10 and organisers are appealing for park neighbours to lend a hand.

The group’s secretary, Gwenda Newton, said: “This is a chance for people to influence what happened in our beautiful park.

“Our recent events have included a very successful extravaganza to mark the 80th anniversary of the dedication of the park to the people of Ramsbottom.”

The group has also recently spruced-up the river bank and held a Himalayan balsam-pulling day which, despite its exotic-sounding name, is merely a form of weed removal.

With two bowling greens, two tennis courts, a football pitch, fishing facilities and an orienteering court, there is always plenty going on at the park, but the friends group is determined to branch out.

Mrs Newton, aged 62, who lives in Nuttall Hall Cottages next to the park, added: “We would like to make the park more interesting and inviting for all age groups.

“We are looking for ideas and people who would like to get involved. We have a good age range of members, just not enough of them. This becomes particularly difficult when we’re organising big events and there are only two people able to take the lead.”

Park ranger Anna Cocker said: “The park is very special to Ramsbottom people because it has a really welcoming atmosphere.

“The friends’ group is really active but it would benefit from gaining more members.”

To find out more about volunteering, call Mrs Newton on 01706 822837 or Anna on 01706 823358.