TWO East Lancashire family dynasties have come together to host an open day at a Ribble Valley historic hall.

The event, on Sunday, May 18, is being hosted by the Parker family, of Browsholme Hall, Bashall Eaves, and the Bowkers, whose family-owned Bowker Group is a major local haulage firm and quality-car dealership.

The Parker family's ownership of Browsholme Hall goes back to 1507, whereas Ken Bowker's family business dates back to the First World War.

The garden, plant and craft festival, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, will include a farmers' market.

There will be displays by Downham blacksmith Steve Marshall, Bashall Eaves animal artist Helen Backhouse and radio horticulturalist Peter Foley, of Holden Clough Nurseries, Bolton-by-Bowland.

Browsholme Hall will be open to the public and vehicles from Bowker's Preston and Accrington BMW and Mini dealerships will be on display in its grounds.

Other attractions will include a bouncy slide, live music, a juggler, dancers, face-painter and over 30 craft stalls, while the Lancashire Countryside Service will lead walks through parkland.

Browsholme Hall was built five centuries ago by Edmund Parker, the forebear of present owner Robert, who runs Clitheroe Auction Mart.

William Henry Bowker was a Blackburn grocer, but after learning to drive for the army during the First World War he seized the opportunities offered by the new age of motor transport and started a car dealership.

Anyone wanting to book a stall is asked to contact John Travis on 01254 826948.