A YOUNGSTER is celebrating after winning a sign competition to improve her local park.

Chelsea Gillard, aged 11, came out on top in the competition, which was launched by the Egerton Park Improvement Committee (EPIC).

The aim was to encourage children in the local area to do what they can to help look after it.

Chelsea, a student at Westhoughton High School, was both surprised by and delighted with her achievement, which was announced at Walmsley Church.

She said: “I was shocked at first.

I never thought I was good at art, so for me to win in this competition has made me more confident in my illustrating ability.”

The contest asked school children to design signs to be put up in the park to promote “positive behaviour” by people using it.

The Egerton Park Improvement Committee was formed a year ago with the intention of bringing its local park to life.

Vice chairman Amy Cowen said: “We all agreed that the park was looking very tired and in need of improvements so we decided to set up the committee.

“One thing we really wanted to do was get the local community involved and especially local children who regularly use the park.”

Youngsters from Egerton Primary School and St John’s Primary School in Bromley Cross have also planted daffodils and tulips at the park.