BLACKBURN v BURNLEY - Which town comes out on top?

FOOTBALL: Blackburn Rovers v Burnley

Now, this really is a hotly debated topic...

Burnley had the edge over Blackburn Rovers last season and now sit at English football's top table with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and the Manchester clubs.

However, it's the Ewood side who come out on top when we look back in history.

Blackburn Rovers have won England's top division three times - trumping the Clarets' two. They've also been victorious in the FA Cup on five more occasions.

HEAD TO HEAD

Blackburn Rovers: 41

Draw: 18

Burnley: 38

DEBATE: Would you rather be in the Premier League or have a richer history?

VENUES: King George's Hall v Burnley Mechanics

Burnley Mechanics is one of Lancashire's most exciting and innovative venues with a reputation for presenting the best in theatre, folk, jazz, blues, classical music and family entertainment. They've also got an unbelievably good chocolate challenge on at the moment...

However, if it's big names you're after, get yourself to King George's Hall in Blackburn. With Placebo and The Courteeners just around the corner and comedian Jimmy Carr set to hit the stage next month, you'll never be short of entertainment.

DEBATE: Where you you rather spend your evening?

TRAIN STATIONS: Blackburn v Burnley

Blackburn Train Station was fit for the Queen earlier this year as she visited the town for a historic Maundy Thursday ceremony. When not on royal duty you can travel directly to Manchester, Leeds, York, Preston and Clitheroe - among others.

In Burnley - you're spoilt for choice with train stations. Burnley Manchester Road is fresh from an impressive makeover so be sure to keep an eye out as you pass through.

DEBATE: Which train station do you prefer?

LANDMARKS: Blackburn Cathedral v The Singing Ringing Tree

Blackburn Cathedral is one of England's newest cathedrals, yet one of the oldest places of Christian worship. It is also rated as the number one Blackburn attraction on Trip Advisor - pulling in a 4.5 rating and a Certificate of Excellence for 2014.

The iconic Singing Ringing Tree overlooks the town of Burnley and can be found at Crown Point - high on the moors. It is a unique musical structure in the form of a wind-blown tree. One of those attractions you have to witness to truly appreciate...

DEBATE: Where would you rather go on a family day out?

EDUCATION: Blackburn College v Burnley College

Blackburn College students are celebrating another fantastic year with a 100% pass rate in 26 A Level subjects. We also recently featured a student who grew up in a Tanzanian orphanage taking on her latest challenge after graduating with a first class honours degree from the college.

Burnley College has consistently high pass rates, with 99.2% A Level pass rate and a record number of top A*-B grades, alongside a 100% pass rate for vocational courses in 2014. You may remember us featuring the opening of the college's Themis Centre - an award-winning apprenticeship and business training division.

DEBATE: Which college would you rather send your children to?

FOOD: Spread Eagle at Mellor v Nino's at Cliviger

The Fence Gate in Burnley has recently been refurbished to an impeccable and almost unrecognisable standard. The menu is still as varied and mouth watering as ever. You can choose between dining in the casual and relaxing bar area or for a more formal occasion, head to the brassiere, where you are greeted with a champagne bar on entry and followed through to a beautiful and rustic restaurant.

Otherwise you could sweep over to the Spread Eagle at Mellor where you can treat yourself to a three-course early bird menu if you think you have the appetite for it!

DEBATE: Where would you rather go out for a meal?

HOTELS: Oaks Hotel v Dunkenhalgh Hotel

Best Western Oaks Hotel in Burnley and Dunkenhalgh Blackburn are both desirable locations for a short or long stay. Both have their own leisure facilities so you can enjoy a relaxing stay to a full extent – we can’t choose between the two - and neither can Trip Advisor...

DEBATE: Which hotel would you rather spend the night in?

FAMOUS PEOPLE: Sir Ian McKellen v Carl Fogarty

Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, X-Men... You know who we’re referring to! Sir Ian McKellen, of course! If you venture down Scott Park road in Burnley, ‘you shall not pass’ without finding a blue plaque to commemorate his birthplace.

The Hollywood star has been recently nominated by Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf and John Bennett, the City of London Corporation’s Chief Commoner, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to acting and his high-profile campaigning work to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Don’t worry; we’ve not gone Foggy eyed! Blackburn has Carl Fogarty to their status. The legend of super-bike racing! We still can't believe someone crashed into his house...

DEBATE: Who would you rather watch in action?

BUSINESSES: Thwaites v AMS Neve

As you head in to Blackburn town centre, you can’t miss the Thwaites tower, nor can you miss it at the local. Whether you’re in Lancashire, Manchester or London (providing worthy bars) - Thwaites’ is a nationally recognised name and Blackburn is the foreground of its success.

Not forgetting Burnley - God only knows what the sound of music would be without AMS Neve. A vast majority of Oscar nominees have had their soundtrack mixed, or music recorded, on AMS Neve’s consoles.

These included Hugo, The Iron Lady, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Adventures of Tintin, Moneyball, Midnight in Paris and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - not forgetting the most recent Children in Need charity single ‘God only knows’.

DEBATE: Which East Lancashire business are you most proud of?

LEISURE: Woodlands Spa v Stanley House

After a hard day’s work, what better way to unwind than a trip to the spa, and goodness knows there’s plenty to choose from! Unwind in the serenity pool at The Woodland Spa in Burnley, part of Crow Wood’s ever expanding leisure facilities.

Or, head to Mellor and visit Stanley House Spa, where you can even work out the stress of your week in the Pilates studio. 

DEBATE: Where would you rather kick back and relax?