REVEREND Brian Harris and his parishioners are celebrating the makeover of the memorial garden at St John the Evangelist Church in Lostock.

Hundreds of bulbs and new shrubs to create all year-round colour have been planted at the back of the memorial garden.

Paths which were badly worn have been resurfaced, and the garden is now a splash of colour with spring flowers.

Putting in the finishing touches, Rev Harris and church wardens Roger Kenrick and Graham Sheen were joined by Janet Ward from local chemicals manufacturer INEOS Enterprises, which has funded the improvements through the Landfill Communities Fund as part of The Mersey Forest.

Additional support for the footpath work has been provided from the church’s funds, Lostock Gralam and Wincham Parish Councils.

Rev Harris said: “The newly-improved access and garden is a key part of our plan to create a pleasant environment in which to reflect and remember loved ones and to encourage the surrounding neighbourhoods to enjoy.”

Janet Ward, from INEOS Enterprises, said: “It’s been great to support these improvements at the church, which is right next door to our brine and water operations at Holford Brinefield.

“These improvements will benefit the whole community, where access previously was difficult, especially for families with prams and those with reduced mobility.”

The Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces spread across Cheshire and Merseyside, and one of the leading environmental regeneration initiatives in the north west.