LANCASHIRE residents will be able to toast the royal wedding with free street parties when Prince William marries Kate Middleton.

National pride will be on display when the pair tie the knot at Westminster Abbey, on April 29.

And residents can join in the celebrations with a street bash after council officials announ-ced it will offer licences to any-one interested and waive road closure fees.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has produced a guide to help residents across the country to plan, and organise, a street party without last-minute licensing problems.

And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has urged local authorities not to stifle the occasion with needless bureaucracy.

He said: “I am delighted, having spoken to councillor Geoff Driver, who is the leader of Lancashire County Council, that Lancashire County Council will not be charging any costs for road closures on that day so that people across Lancashire will be able to hold street parties and safely put up bunting.

“It will be a fantastic occasion and I hope that people will now feel able to celebrate in style in their local area.

“I am so pleased that Lancashire County Council will not be adopting a clipboard, nanny state mentality and will help everybody enjoy what will undoubtedly be a superb day!”

Ribble Valley Mayor Lois Rimmer said: “The Royal wedding is an opportunity for people to join together to support a happy national occasion.

“And I expect some fabulous street parties will take place in Ribble Valley on April 29.”

For more information visit www.streetparty.org.uk