VISITORS are expected to take in a plethora of Easter treats this weekend, with events set to be held across the region.

Perhaps the most spectacular will be the opening round of the British Cycling Elite Road series 2015, when professional cyclists will wow crowds in Chorley as they race around a 116-mile course from 9am until 6pm on Saturday.

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The prestigious race, organised by Chorley Council and British Cycling, will start and finish in Park Road.

The council’s chief executive, Gary Hall, said: “We’re encouraging people to bring flags and banners and line the pavements anywhere along the route to see a brilliant sporting spectacle.

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“Cycling fans might choose to go to Rivington to see the Chorley Group King of the Mountains challenge or line the pavements of Buckshaw Village.

“But if you’ve got children and want to keep them entertained, bring them along to the Chorley council cycle village where they will be able to watch the cyclists start the race then take part in cycling games, arts, crafts, and challenges.”

A mass of hot air balloons will be visible in the skies above Barnoldswick this weekend too.

The North West Balloon and Airship Club has joined forces with the Pennine Region club to host a meet at Thornton Hall Farm Country Park.

Spokesman Tom Bulloch said: “While there may be classroom and practical training at the farm during the day, there will also be balloons flying – weather permitting – each morning and evening like any other balloon event.”

And the annual Trawden duck race takes place from 2pm on Easter Sunday in Wycoller Country Park. Hundreds of plastic ducks are expected to ‘swim’ from the clapper bridge to Wycoller Hall.

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Easter egg hunts will be held at Hoghton Tower, from 10am until 5pm on Monday, Oswaldtwistle Mills from 10am until 3pm on Monday, Gawthorpe Hall from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday and Monday, at Botany Bay from 10am until 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Brockholes Nature Reserve from 2pm until 4pm on Friday, and Animal Quakers in Bacup from 11am until 4pm from Friday to Monday.

Betsy Bumblebee will guide youngsters through interactive activities from 11.30am and 2pm on Easter Monday.

A fun day will be held in Colne town centre from 10.30am until 3pm on Saturday.

At St John’s in Higham, a three-day-long arts and crafts fair will be held from noon until 5.30pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

There will be stalls, food and drink, a bird of prey display, book sale, and craft demonstrations, as well as guest appearances from artists.