HUNDREDS of purple and green balloons will help International Women's Week get off to a flying start.

They will be released in Blackburn town centre at noon on Saturday, March 4 at the clock tower in King William Street to mark the start of the celebrations.

The week is part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Festival 2000 and aims to recognise the diversity of women's contribution to activities in the community and beyond.

Chairman of the International Women's Week Forum, councillor Maureen Bateson, said: "We value the contribution made by women in our community and through this week of activities we hope to bring to the forefront some of the issues affecting women within the borough.

"The council and the many voluntary and community groups organising events thought the week are here to offer encouragement and support and invite women of all ages to come along and get involved."

A programme of events is available from Blackburn and Darwen town halls, Jubilee House, Blackburn, community centres, libraries and other council outlets or by telephoning 01254 585437/585110.

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