SATURDAY opening will return to Towneley Hall as part of a raft of improvement plans.

From Saturday, the hall will be open to the public on Saturdays and on Fridays by appointment only.

To mark the change, the Towneley Re-enactors will give a performance involving the 17th century family of Richard Towneley.

The improvement plan, which also suggests more frequent events and better education opportunities follows a 'best value' review of the attraction, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

The review has been completed in time for the hall's centenary year which will be celebrated with a series of events including an exhibtion, ball and fair and garden party later this year.

The hall has also been given alcohol and music and dancing licences so more events can be held and more incoime generated.

Last month it was also given the go-ahead to host wedding ceremonies.

The hall, the jewel in the crown of Burnley's greatest assets, set in nearly 300 acres of parkland, dates from the 14th century but has been subject to many changes and alterations.

It contains period rooms in the style of the 17th century and has been described as "the the finest early Georgian interior in the country," attracting around 48,000 visitors a year.

Last August a new wing, containing multimedia and audio displays, improved lighting, lifts to the art galleries and a shop opened.

The hall was given the new lease of life thanks to a £1.1million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The new wing was built on to the council-owned Grade I listed country house on the site of a demolished service wing.

Rooms which were used as offices for years are now to the public and there are new displays throughout the hall, including interactive computer displays and new education services.

The project was also given a lift by a grant of £112,500 from the Lancashire Tourism Partnership.