MAY 27 is European Good Neighbour Day - and the event will be celebrated in communities across the South Sefton housing market renewal area.

A variety of events is planned to involve local people, and celebrate the rebuilding of vibrant neighbourhoods across Seaforth and Waterloo and Bootle.

And throughout the year, people from the area have been taking part in a Community Champions programme, which offers accredited learning opportunities.

Ian Maher, Sefton's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "There are a lot of very good neighbours in the South Sefton area, and some extremely close and welcoming communities. We want to celebrate that, and also offer local people the chance to get involved in a variety of fun and stimulating activities within their neighbourhoods."

The day falls within half-term week, and local families are all welcome to attend.

The events include:

- Waterloo - The 'Vision of Waterloo' art exhibition at Waterloo Community Centre between 10am and 4pm, and 6pm to 8pm.

- Seaforth - A Community Fun Day at Bowersdale Park, Seaforth Community Centre and Crescent Court between 11am and 3pm.

- Linacre - A special day at the Linacre Methodist Mission between 10am and 4pm, with circus skills, face painting, children's crafts, health stalls and the chance to find out all about the Mission.

- Klondyke - Launch of the new Community Directory for local people, with a barbecue at St John's and St James', Kirby Road, between 2 and 4pm, with face painting, balloons and a bouncy castle. Copies of the Directory will also be given out.

- Bootle - The launch of South Sefton Ability representatives at Bootle Cricket Club between 10.30am and 1pm. The group looks at the barriers facing disabled people in accessing local services. Keynote speakers will be Graham Haywood, chief executive of Sefton Council, and Cllr Brenda Porter.

- Bedford Queens - The painting of the Bedford Road underpass. All members of the community are welcome to come along and help out painting the mural, or just to see what is going on, between 10am and 4pm. There will be food, refreshments and entertainment.