THE trustees of Ilkley's Darwin Gardens project are celebrating after being pledged thousands of pounds in funding to complete the scheme.

The trustees have accepted an offer from the Countryside Agency for the Darwin Gardens to become a Millennium Green, ensuring them £27,000 in funding over the next two years.

Peter Harnett, trustee, said: "We are delighted to be awarded the chance to participate in this initiative as a worthwhile and enduring way to celebrate the Millennium.

"We believe that Darwin Gardens Millennium Green has the potential to be a major asset in our town, and hope that Olicanions will derive much pleasure and justifiable pride in this contribution to our heritage.

"We welcome all sections of our community, individuals, businesses, schools and societies, to become involved in this unique opportunity to commemorate the Millennium in Ilkley."

The award will be used to extend the programme of volunteer work parties and employ specialist contractors to create and establish several features within the scheme by the end of next year.

The grant is part of a nation-wide initiative, funded by the Millennium Commission, which aims to create 250 greens to benefit communities all over the country.

The gardens will be officially opened on Midsummer Day, Saturday, June 24 by novelist Jilly Cooper, who will unveil a plaque of Charles Darwin.

There will also be a procession of children dressed a creatures marking the stages of evolution, a performance of a song composed for the ceremony, a community dance and a dramatisation of Charles Darwin's association with the town. l See letters P6.

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