A DERELICT rubbish tip in Farnworth has been granted an adventurous and eco-friendly new lease of life -- as Bolton's first-ever outdoor maze.

The two-metre high maze is one of a host of fun-filled schemes designed to brighten up the eyesore site in New Bury, surrounding Westland Avenue and Worsley Road.

A musical play area featuring tuneful statues, an assault course, two community gardens, a small concrete skateboard track and a multi-use ball pitch are to be created under The Gateway Project. Plans were approved by councillors last week.

The go-ahead for the project -- dubbed one of the most innovative in Bolton -- brings to an end months of hard work and planning by children, residents and community artists.

The 55-metre site behind Kwik Fit will be transformed mainly by using recycled materials. Experts from local community group Bolton Wise have been overseeing the project.

The centrepiece of the scheme will be the triangular maze, to be constructed with mounds of soil covered in wild flowers. A small amphitheatre will be at the centre of the maze where people can present mini plays and shows.

Trees and boulders will also be used to erect a series of large animal statues which can be used as climbing apparatus.

A 1.8 metre-high gateway to the site will also be created and a walkway built from railway sleepers installed to welcome visitors.

Planning chiefs say it will be maintained by local residents with regular visits by Bolton Wise.

Ed Hall, Bolton Wise's partnership landscape architect, says the project "inspires creative and imaginative play".

A Bolton Council spokesman added: "This scheme is considered to be an excellent community proposal which is both sustainable and encourages community involvement."

Planning chiefs agreed to the proposals subject to conditions including the provision of disabled access, installation of drainage and planting of trees.