HOST of events in Clitheroe on Easter Saturday will mark the 25th anniversary of the town's twinning with its French counterpart Rivesaltes.

Clitheroe market traders and Ribble Valley Borough Council have joined forces to plan a day to remember to celebrate the town's very own French connection, which started in 1977.

The festivities, on March 30, will include the town being decked with bunting, banners and flags to welcome a group of Rivesaltes representatives, who will visit Clitheroe Market between 12.15pm and 2pm after a reception at the Town Council chambers at 11am.

A boules knock-out competition, which will be held in the morning, will culminate with a grand final in the Bullring at 1pm. Winners of the contest will play against a special Rivesaltes team, with prizes presented by Ribble Valley Mayor Coun Gwen Pye.

And there's even something planned for the little ones, with a special egg painting competition. Entry forms, available from any trader cabin or stall from Tuesday March 26, are welcomed from children in three ages groups - under seven's, seven to 11-year-olds, and over 11's.

A winner will be chosen from each class by a market trader representative and Coun Pye after the boules competition.

Clitheroe town band will perform at noon, and there will also be a tombola, with monies raised to be donated to several French charities, and a market trader fancy hat competition, with the winner to be chosen again by Coun Pye.

Anyone wishing to browse around the market area will be able to check out an exhibition of photographs from Clitheroe's bygone days, with information about Rivesaltes, in the market canteen, or taste test traditional Lancashire fayre, including hot pot, black puddings, tripe, local cheeses and chocolate.

And on Easter Sunday, March 31, the fun will continue with a charity football match between Clitheroe FC and Rivesaltes France at 2pm at the Shawbridge ground, when the AXA FA Cup will also be on display.