HARP music hit a historical note as tourism promoters launched the new Pendle Witch Trail.

The trail between Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford, and Lancaster Castle follows the last footsteps of the area's most notorious historical figures. It is aimed at boosting the tourism industry and local businesses by attracting visitors eager to find out more about the grisly tale.

It was launched at the heritage centre by Pendle councillor Tony Greaves.

He said: "This unique history trail will attract national and international visitors to boost the local economy.

"It will also give Pendle people the chance to get to grips with an important part of the area's history."

Local hoteliers and others connected to the tourism industry, together with councillors, gathered at the heritage centre to listen to a recital of 17th Century harp music before driving through the Ribble Valley and over the Trough of Bowland to Lancaster.

Today councillors from across Lancashire and Yorkshire were visiting the heritage centre to hear about plans for a Pendle Witch Country exhibition there which will tie in with the trail.

The trail is the result of a new partnership between Pendle, Ribble Valley and Lancaster councils. It also received support from the Rural Development Commission and the European Regional Development Fund.

The route takes in places connected with the story of the witches, who were executed at Lancaster Castle in 1612.

The trail takes in Newchurch, Downham, Clitheroe, Browsholme Hall and the Golden Lion pub in Lancaster where the witches were allowed a final drink.

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