TOURIST chiefs today added their support to Accrington's bid to pull in millions of visitors and said: "You have got to have a dream."

The boost from councillors in the world-famous Fylde Coast holiday resort came after Hyndburn Council said it wanted to launch a campaign to bring more tourists to the town.

Members of the town centre's Regeneration Assembly plan to use the redevelopment of the market as a launchpad when it opens later this year.

The group said it would like the town to grab a share of the millions of people who visit Blackpool every year.

Blackpool Conservative Councillor Henry Mitchell said it was great the former mill town was going to "have a go:"

He added: "I used to travel to Accrington when I worked as a rep and it's very small.

"But you have got to have a dream. A lot of people laughed at our forefathers who built Blackpool, and said 'No way', but I think it's a nice town and it's nice to think you have got ambitions. I wish them all the very best.

"Of course Accrington will always be famous for its football team so it has got something to pull people in with."

Accrington town centre manager Bill Huntly has already said the town should take advantage of the new market square development to market itself as a place where people can spend a day relaxing, shopping, eating, and seeing the many historic features of the town like the Tiffany glass collection at Haworth Art Gallery, the town hall, and of course Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground.

Katherine O'Connor, Blackpool's tourism officer, said the town was thinking along the right lines, but needed to ensure there were enough attractions for people to visit.

She said: "While I commend Accrington's aspirations to become a leading tourism destination, they will have to provide exciting attractions if they are to appeal to new visitors.

"I think we work quite well with Hyndburn Council through the East Lancashire Partnership. It's about raising the profile of Lancashire, no matter what. They are promoting what gems they have and all credit to them."

Acting council leader Jean Battle said: "Accrington is the town where small oaks flourish. We have a varied menu for visitors to enjoy.

"We are not aiming to compete with resorts like Blackpool and we want to work with them to offer the best of Lancashire."

Michael Carney, president of the Hyndburn Chamber of Commerce, said: "Great Days Out in Accrington is an initiative that recognises our visitors want to stay longer and they want a professionally co-ordinated package involving shopping, leisure, arts and crafts and good value cuisine in a traditional setting with a sense of history and a sense of humour.

"Like Blackpool, Accrington can offer visitors a warm Lancashire welcome, but we won't charge them to park."

Town centre manager Bill Huntly is inviting tour operators and bus companies to work with him to develop themed trips for visitors from Blackpool and the rest of the North West.