THE Leyland Festival Committee enjoys the full co-operation and support of the members and officers of South Ribble Borough Council.

It is true to say that without their assistance, the Festival could not take place, and we are are extremely happy to have this help. Councillor Farron (Citizen January 27) was wrong to imply that we are in any way unhappy with the support we receive from the council.

Local groups have always been able to enter the procession in a way that does not need a vehicle - in fact these entries are often the most imaginative and well received.

But procession organiser, Martin Blundell, could help to provide a vehicle to any group who would like to use one. His number is (01772) 451662.

Coun Tomlinson was correct to defend the local council's involvement with the Festival. They do supply a vehicle to assist in putting up the bunting (which we have to buy ourselves) and they allow us to use Worden Park. The Festival Committee has to raise all the money to stage the Festival each year, but the council does provide assistance 'in kind'.

The Festival Committee comprises of 35 members from the local community, all of whom give their time and energy to mount a marvellous day of entertainment for every family in Leyland. We could not put on the Festival without the enormous help we are given by other local organisations, such as Rotary Clubs, the Round Table, the RAOB and others. But Mr Tomlinson was misinformed - it is more than 25 years since Leyland Round Table staged the festival.

We would also like it to be known that we are still seeing entrants for this year's Festival Queen competition, although the Princess entries are now closed.

Any girl who lives in South Ribble and will be aged between 14 and 17 on June 1 this year, is eligible to enter. Please contact Helen Howarth on 492413 before 9pm on Friday, February 4, if you would like to find out more about entering for the Millennium Festival Queen.

John Bruck,

Leyland Festival Committee Chairman.

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