A SPECIAL festival of thanksgiving will take place in Clitheroe next weekend in a bid to support the Ribble Valley farming community.

An exhibition featuring 30 local companies displaying details of their products, services and employment generated will be the focus of the festival.

It will be officially opened on Friday by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, accompanied by Ribble Valley Mayor Coun Gwen Pye and her consort Norman Atty, at the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene.

Proceeds from the three-day event will be divided between the ARC Addington Fund, which provides financial help for farmers, and the Bishop of Blackburn's Harvest Appeal.

On Saturday, the exhibition will be officially open to the public from 10am to 1pm, and again on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, both with refreshments available.

And on Sunday morning, the harvest celebrations begin with a parade and parish communion at 9.45am at St Mary's, when local children will make their own special contribution.

On Sunday evening, the service of thanksgiving will begin at 6.30pm and will be attended by Clitheroe Town Mayor Coun Mary Robinson and her consort David Robinson. Preacher will be the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Reverend Alan Chesters.

The service will be followed by a barn dance and supper in the parish hall.

A spokesperson for the church said : "Everyone is welcome to all the events, particularly the Sunday evening service, barn dance and supper.

"We want local people to join together to make a real 'community festival' to bring help to the farmers."

Tickets for the barn dance and supper are £6 for adults and £3 for the under-15s, with guests asked to bring their own drinks.

For more information ring 01200 422828, or visit St Mary's parish office, Church Street, on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday from 9am to noon.