CHARITY volunteers are crossing their fingers that the sun shines on their annual gala event in Darwen.

The popular gala is being held tomorrow on the Blacksnape playing fields in Roman Road and is sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

The annual event staged by Darwen Lions Club is in its 21st year and the organisers are hoping fgr a break in the recent wet weather.

The fun starts at 11am and includes a host of free attractions and entertainment for all the family.

As well as a family fun fair there is a sheep dog display and farmyard rodeo, along with a fire service display in the main arena.

Other attractions include a car boot sale, charity stalls, Army display, marching band and beer and food tents.

In a bid to attract even more visitors, a free bus service to and from Darwen town centre is also being arranged.

This service will run every half hour from 10.30am until the end of the gala at 5pm.

Parking spaces on the field will be available at a charge of £1 per car.

Some of the money raised at the event will go to the East Lancashire Hospice Appeal.

The hospice is hoping to raise £300,000 to improve day care facilities at its Park Lee site.

Darwen Lions President Ian Ashton, said: "Twenty years of galas have constantly supported charities in our town and we give other charities the opportunity to help their individual causes.

"The gala is a great free day out for all the family and, providing the sun shines for us, we are expecting a great turn-out."