ONE hundred and forty youngsters from all over the North West are taking part in the annual Rossendale Dance Festival.

The four day festival is taking place at Haslingden Public Hall. It began at the weekend and continues on Saturday and Sunday.

The festival has been going for 18 years and attracts contestants aged from three to 18 taking part in all styles of dancing.

Secretary Mary Fish said the number of entries was down this year. A booking problem had resulted in the festival being held later than normal.

"It is unfortunate because it means that some children are taking exams and others are in pantomime or other Christmas shows," she said.