ROADWORKS have forced the Darwen Gala's organisers to re-route their traditional procession.

This year the parade, which officially opens the gala when it reaches the field off Borough Road, will avoid part of the town centre due to the strengthening works at Peggy Brook Culvert.

The parade next Saturday sets off from Anchor Road at 12.30pm. Coun John Williams, the mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, will lead the collection of themed floats, Morris dancers and marching bands on the A666.

But they will turn up Arch Street and cut on to Borough Road, rather than going up and around the Circus. Re-routing will take about five minutes from the procession's length. It is scheduled to reach the Gala at around 1.30pm.

Thousands are expected to come down and enjoy the free family fun.

There will be live bands, a beer tent, a funfair, charity, craft, and trade stalls. A Kung Fu Lion display will be staged in the main arena.

Bold Venture Park will also have a display of radio-controlled model boats.

Blackburn Rovers will bring inflatable football goals for penalty shoot-out competitions. A signed Rovers kit will be the culmination of an afternoon's auctioning.

Century FM presenter Rob Charles will make an appearance along with children's favourite Rob Flacon.

Borough Road will be closed from 12.45pm.