RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has called for renewed efforts to dissuade tourists from by-passing East Lancashire as they flock to Blackpool in their millions.

Most of the region's top tourist attractions are in the seaside resort and the MP believes that East Lancashire should get more spin-off tourism as a result.

"East Lancashire is one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom and it is a shame that we do not get more tourists to visit it," said Mr Evans. "We must do more to attract more of them to East Lancashire."

Mr Evans said the aim was not to compete with Blackpool but to show what the area has to offer the millions who go there every year.