THE final touches are being put to a huge torchlight procession taking place in Clitheroe on Saturday.

More than 70 floats will process through the centre of Clitheroe at nightfall to mark the start of the town's millennium celebrations.

Applications to take part in the 21st torchlight procession have flooded in from local schools, firms and organisations.

The last procession, in 1992, celebrated 40 years of the reign of the Queen. It was a huge success, attracting a bumper number of floats and thousands of visitors to Clitheroe.

And organisers are expecting more than 10,000 spectators andthe procession will be followed by a massive firework display from Clitheroe Castle and fairground displays.

Town centre pubs are expecting a bumper trade as the merrymaking continues late into the night. Clitheroe Mayor Alan Yearing, said there had been considerable interest in the event and a great night was on the cards. "We are putting the final touches to the event, which looks set to be a great success," he said.

Commemorative programmes have gone on sale at venues throughout the town, including the Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, and Ribble Valley Council Offices, in Church Walk.

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