IT WAS a celebration of the old and the new as villagers gathered to celebrate the official opening of a new community facility while marking the centenary of their only other.

More than 120 people turned out to the opening of Low Row Community

Park on Saturday, September 24.

The event, organised by Nether Denton parish council and Low Row Community Park Committee, also marked 100 years since the Taylor Institute, the village hall, was built, thanks to funds donated by the Taylor family who lived on the outskirts of the village.

It is six years since the parish council purchased a boggy field and set about their £100,000 project to transform it into a valuable community space.

After draining, ploughing, seeding and evening-out the ground, fences were put up and a hard surface area was created in part of the field.

Local youngsters were asked what they would like to see on the park, and a set of goal posts was the first thing to be installed.

The park committee set about securing grants for more equipment and volunteers created paths, pedestrian access, steps and seating areas.

David Richardson, vice-chair of the parish council, said: "The village like many others, used to have a railway station, a school, shop, post office, large scale local employment, and pub as well as the village hall.

"All of this has now gone and only the hall remains but to add to that we can proudly say we are restoring community spirit by the evolution of the community park and by holding events within both the park and the hall.

"We are proud of our village and with the help of our community we will continue the good work to the benefit the people that live there.

"The park is near to completion but there is still plenty to do to both finish the project and to maintain it for years to come."

Councillor Lawrence Fisher and ex Carlisle United player Peter Murphy officially opened the park.

Throughout the day children enjoyed playing on the park, a bouncy castle and an inflatable obstacle course. There was also a slow bike competition, foot golf and a treasure hunt.

Meanwhile events in the hall included a history display of maps and photographs along with a model of the former Carrick’s factory.

The WI first used the Taylor Institute in 1920 and continued using it until recent years when the WI disbanded.

The building, which is maintained by the parish council, has also been used over the years for weddings, parties, community events and meetings.

Baking, photography, art and vegetable creations were judged before party-goers enjoyed a hog roast.

Children read a letter of thanks for the new community park.

Mr Richardson thanks all the organisers, fundraisers and suppliers for their help and support.