CHILDREN are to be allowed into Lancashire's museums free in a bid to bolster attendances and boost learning.

As of yesterday, accompanied children go free to all of Lancashire County Council's seven museums, while admission prices for adults have been frozen.

Children formerly paid between £1 and £2 for entry.

The museums, including four in East Lancashire, will also be opening longer to attract more people.

County councillor Nikki Penney, in charge of the museum service, said: "Both improvements in pricing and opening hours signify a major change for Lancashire's County Museums.

"Lancashire Museums had a fantastic year last year, but we want to break all records this coming season giving Lancashire people as much chance as possible to discover, explore and enjoy our exciting venues plus have a value for money day out."

Museums include:

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham: A Jacobean house set in formal gardens with many rooms remodelled in the Victorian period by Sir Charles Barry. The period rooms today reflect the Victorian life-style of a wealthy aristocratic family.

Turton Tower, Turton: An English country house located on the edge of the popular walking area of the West Pennine Moors, Turton Tower's period rooms display a collection of decorative woodwork, paintings and furniture including items loaned from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Queen Street Mill, Harle Syke, Burnley: The last commercial steam-powered textile mill in Europe. The mill closed in 1982 but today is preserved as a museum offering a unique experience.

Helmshore Textile Museums, Holcombe Road, Helmshore: This venue combines two of Lancashire's original textile mills and provides an atmosphere preserved in time. International textile treasures including an Arkwright Water Frame are on display.

For more information on Lancashire's museums visit www.bringinghistoryalive.co.uk.