RACING favourite Desert Orchid will romp into Rossendale as part of a church charity day.

The famous racehorse, who won the Gold Cup as well as a host of other titles during his racing days, will be guest of honour at the Royal Jubilee Duck Derby at St James-the-Less RC Church, Rawtenstall, on Sunday.

The event is being held to raise money for the church's tower restoration fund. Work is due to start on the £30,000 project later this year.

"It promises to be a memorable day," said Parish Priest Father David Lupton, who famously married Manchester United footballer Phil Neville to local girl Julie Killelea in a celebrity wedding at the Burnley Road church.

"The Duck Derby is always a very popular event and this year it's a great way for everyone to celebrate the Royal Jubilee.

"Desert Orchid's appearance had been in doubt but fortunately it has been sponsored by a local firm Artex Construction and obviously we are grateful to them and really excited to have Dessie here with us.

"He is a legend in racing and I'm sure he will be an extremely popular guest."

Along with the Dessie's appearance and the duck races there is plenty of family entertainment lined up, including maypole dancing, a football tournament, children's rides, face painting, a tombola and other stalls.

"We need to raise some £30,000 to complete the restoration work on the church tower," added Father Luton.

"It is a major project and a large sum of money so everyone is working hard to make sure Sunday's event is a huge success."

The fun is due to get under way at the Burnley Road church from 12.30pm.