EAST Lancashire's first labyrinth could provide a massive tourist boost in Clitheroe.

Ribble Valley Council's £3m plan to attract more people to Clitheroe Castle is set to include the attraction.

Labyrinths are similar to mazes except they don't have dead ends or high hedges. Instead, paths guide you on a set route.

They first became popular in mediaeval times and are popular at heritage attractions across the UK.

Ribble Valley Council plans to get well-known labyrinth designer Jim Buchanan from Scotland, to come up with a scheme for them.

A meeting to explain the scheme is being held in the Ribble Valley Council chamber on Thursday, November 24, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

A visit to one of the country's best-known labyrinths, at Alkborough, Lincolnshire, will take place on November 27.

Then, in December, a suggested design for the labyrinth in the castle grounds will be projected on to the site it would occupy so people can have their say on it.

Ribble Valley Council's

arts development officer Katherine Rodgers said: "We aim to develop the grounds of Clitheroe Castle into a high- quality visitor attraction and are inviting individuals, schools and community groups to take part in this exciting venture."

The £3m project for Clitheroe Castle relies heavily on a bid for Lottery cash being successful. An announcement on that is due next year.

Repairs would also take place to the castle's keep, originally built to protect land owned by William the Conquerer.

And the Clitheroe Castle Museum would also be substantially improved.

More details on the project are available from Katherine Rodgers on 01200 443071.