ORGANISERS of Blackburn Mela 2002 are hoping to make the event bigger and better than ever before.

This years event will be staged in Witton Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, and the organising committee is currently contacting local business and organisations in the hope of raising sponsorship. Last year between 40,000 and 50,000 people attended the Mela making it the biggest multi-cultural festival in Lancashire.

And committee chairman Naushad Surve said that with the support of the local community they hoped to build on that success.

"Everyone involved agrees that the event does much to strengthen multi-cultural harmony," said Mr Surve.

"Our aim is to get people from all walks of life and ages to gather in a social and enjoyable environment where they can get a taste of each others culture."

In the past the Mela has raised money for Comic Relief, Cancer research, NSPCC and BBC Children in Need.

This year's chosen charity is Warchild.

Anyone interested in sponsorship or requiring further information should contact Mr Surve on 01254 580438 or 0781 841 2356.