ORGANISERS of a community event believe it will have long-lasting benefits for the people of Leigh.

Jane Sherwood, from Joining Communities which helped organise the gala, said it had instilled a sense of community among all those who attended at Dootson’s Park.

“Working together is great for community spirit and provides an opportunity for younger people to meet older people and engage with one another,” she said.

“It makes everyone feel better about where they live and those they share a neighbourhood with.

“People have got to know one another better than they did before and an area can be improved partly by this sense of cohesion.”

Police, Butts Bridge Tenants and Residents’ Association, Manchester Road CRA, Hope Carr Morris Troupe, ward councillors and Leigh 12th Guides and Brownies were among those who helped make the gala a success.

Hundreds of people braved the rain to enjoy the event, which was supported by funding from Wigan and Leigh Housing’s Better Neighbourhood Fund and Clr Kevin Anderson’s ‘Brighter Borough’.

Many of the organisations were working together for the first time, with a goal of including people of all ages and letting them know about training and volunteering opportunities available locally.

It tied in with the traditional May Queen celebrations and included learning and skill-building opportunities designed to help people find work and get online.

“We devote £250,000 every year to improving communities through our Better Neighbourhood Fund, and this event is one of many projects we have supported to help build stronger communities and improve the life chances of our tenants,” said Ashley Crumbley, chief executive at Wigan and Leigh Housing.

“Tenants and residents vote at the area housing forums to decide how the money, which is all from tenants’ rents, should be spent.

“We are delighted that the event has been such a success.”