DERELICT land around a church, that became a haven for vandals and drug users, has been transformed into a community play area.

Parishioners from St Joseph's Church in Halliwell are celebrating a grant of £40,000 to provide modern sporting facilities on the dilapidated church car park.

The cash, from the Big Lottery Fund for New Opportunities, will go towards a much-needed leisure area, along with a soft play zone and floodlights.

The car park had become overgrown and church members frequently found drugs and dirty needles among the bushes.

Thieves often stashed stolen goods in the undergrowth as they rifled through stolen handbags.

On one occasion, a vehicle was left abandoned in the car park with its wheels removed.

But the area has been revitalised with the play area surrounded by eight-foot high railings and modern floodlights.

The lottery cash is passed on to a Bolton Council group called Transforming Your Space who assess where the grant money should go.

Mayor Cllr Prentice Howarth will attend the launch of the play area on October 23.

Father Tony Barry, from St Joseph's Church, said: "This land could quite easily have been sold off for housing. But instead, we're giving something back to kids and turning it into something positive"

Cath Lowden, co-ordinating officer from Transforming Your Space, said: "This scheme is aimed at improving vacant community space and making into something of benefit for the community."

The church has also scooped £30,000 from the diocese to renovate the ailing hall.

Cash will be used to replaster the walls, improve the lighting and provide better disabled access.

A new security system will be installed at the front door and CCTV camera erected outside to boost security.

The church hall is available to be used by children at St Joseph's Primary School, a majorette group, a fencing school and various children's charities.