A VENUE to promote local artists work in Chorley opens next month.

The council and local traders are to launch a new arts and crafts centre every Thursday in the towns marketplace.

The attempt to revitalise the market comes about after many requests by local artists and craftspeople to promote their work, and raise the profile of the arts in the borough.

"By offering young artists a stall, we can help them build up a livelihood," said market traders spokesman Mike Lawson," and attract new shoppers to the town centre."

The Arty Thursdays will include special half-term street performers, who will kick start the market on Thursday, October 25.

There will also be extra late night Thursday shopping promotions following the Christmas light switch-on on November 22.

Any artist or craftspeople who would like to exhibit should contact Chris Mellor, Arts Development Officer tel: 01257 515320.

Voluntary groups and school enterprises projects are also welcome.