THE HARD work to transform a neglected site in Edenfield into a tranquil haven is complete.

The Edenfield Memorial Garden was dedicated on Sunday at the end of two years' devotion by the Edenfield and District Horticultural Society to remember the fallen heroes of the Second World War.

The refurbishment includes new paving, seating, planting and eight mosaic paving slabs created by local children illustrating Edenfield features.

One of the more prominent mosaics is that marking the life of Mr Jeff Demaline, a local musician, whose life has been recorded with a top hat, rabbit and playing cards pictured on one of the slabs.

The garden in Market Street had become overgrown but members of the Edenfield and District Horticultural Society worked with different community groups to help bring it back to life. The garden, which cost more than £20,000 to transform, was paid for through grants from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF), the Lancashire Environmental Fund, Awards for All, and the Lancashire Small Sites Reclamation Programme. Donations have also been made by Lord Shuttleworth, Edenfield Village Residents' Association and the horticultural society.

More than 50 people turned up to the event, including members of the British Legion, to witness the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, Ann and Geoff Cheetham open the garden.

Pupils from Edenfield and Stubbins primary schools and Edenfield playgroup planted a variety of bulbs ready to bloom next spring and Marshall's quarry donated an engraved stone to commemorate the lives lost during the two world wars and other conflicts.