A YEAR-long festival to mark the new millennium in Blackburn and Darwen has been given an £80,000 lottery cash boost.

The council has been awarded money from the Millennium Festival fund towards its plans to attract thousands of visitors to the borough in the year 2000.

More than £200,000 has already been put aside from council coffers to help pay for events, which will be structured around 50 themed weeks in the millennium year. Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Coun Malcolm Doherty said: "This is marvellous news. The lottery funding will help boost our commitment to fund a whole range of events that will appeal to everyone throughout the year and help us to look forward to our future."

Coun Ashley Whalley, chairman of the council's millennium task group, said: "Blackburn with Darwen will be the place to be in the year 2000.

"Hundreds of events will take place throughout the borough and there will be something for everyone to enjoy and join in. There should be something happening every day from December 31, 1999 right through to January 1, 2001. "We already have a lot of events planned, but are keen to hear from more people who would like to become involved." Plans include a celebration activity to mark the new year on December 31, a civil war event in Witton Park, and an arts festival and community play.

Community groups and voluntary organisations are also being encouraged to arrange their own events and will be able to get advice and support from the council.

If you have any ideas for the millennium year, ring 01254 682000.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.