A SPRING attractions day highlighting the tourist draws of the area will be held at Towneley Hall, Burnley, on Sunday.

It is being financed by the North West Development Agency's foot and mouth recovery fund to help local visitor attractions to bounce back after the devastation of last's year outbreak.

All the top attractions of the area will be represented at the event with lots of free vouchers and tickets to be given away.

There will be the chance to chat to the attraction operators and tourism officers who will advise on days out and short breaks.

Towneley Hall will be opening especially for the spring fair from noon to 4pm. Visitors will be able to sample behind the scenes tours and a sneak preview of the new wing before its official opening later this year.

There will be a chance to "meet" scientist Richard Towneley and his family as they recreate life at the hall in the 17th century.

There will also be craft demonstrations from the Burnley Rangers Service, the chance to see expert blacksmiths from Rourke's Forge at work and with music by the Pendle Jazzmen.

Among those taking part will include Barden Mill, Foulridge Canal Cruises, Groundwork East Lancashire, HAPPA, Towneley garden centre, British Waterways, Weavers' Triangle visitors' centre and the Forest of Burnley.

"This is a very exciting event which will hopefully help some of those attractions who suffered during the foot and mouth outbreak last year to recover their market share of tourism visits and have a much more successful year in 2002," said Jacqueline Whitaker, tourism development officer.

She added: "We want everyone to enjoy the day and to be inspired to visit as many of the wonderful attractions in the area as possible during the coming months."

Admission to the event is free and refreshments will be available.