A NEW willow weaved sculpture now welcomes visitors to Atherton.

The sculpture of a woman holding a basket with a child and a squirrel at the Blue Bell Boundary Gardens was chosen by St Phillip's CE Primary School children and parents and was unveiled at a willow weaving event on Saturday.

Volunteer group Atherton Environmental Projects (AEP) has been working to improve the entrance to the town for a year after taking over the land adjacent to the school.

AEP wanted St Phillip's to be involved as the group has had a good working relationship with the school over the years.

Cllrs Martin and Karen Aldred said: “We have been helping AEP throughout the project, and with the support of Wigan Council's Brighter Borough Fund an idea became a reality.

"We wanted to involve the children at St Philip's in choosing a design for a willow sculpture to be fitted in Blue Bell Boundary Gardens.

"The children and parents of the school chose the design.”

Lots of volunteers, parents and children attended Saturday's willow weaving workshop.

AEP chairman Keith Sumner said: “Please visit the ‘Friends of Atherton’ Facebook page to see more pictures of the day.

"If you would like to get involved as a volunteer to make our town a nicer place to live or visit then contact Karen on 01942894262 and/or become a friend on the Facebook page.

"It’s been heart-warming to have received so many compliments about the Blue Bell Boundary Gardens from residents and I must thank Central Snacks adjacent to the site for keeping the cold air of winter out by supplying all volunteers with a warm drink while working.

"It’s rewarding that AEP has seen an increase in volunteers, giving up their free time, after seeing us working all year on the gardens and recently on the ‘Clean for the Queen’ campaign.

"But the biggest thank yous go out to the willow weavers, whose designs can be seen not just here but also in Howe Bridge, and of course to the teachers, children and parents of St Phillip's for getting involved.”