Twelve years ago Lancashire Day was launched. In its first year it was pretty low key, certainly compared to Yorkshire Day. On the other side of the Pennines, they seemed to have been shouting about themselves for a very long time.

But here in the Red Rose county, surely we have more to shout about.

So it’s great to see Lancashire Day really taking off with ever more events taking place.

Arguably, it could get even bigger. We do, after all, have a lot to be proud of.

From our unbeatable countryside to our developing town centres; from our great cuisine (and it’s not all cheese and onion pies) to our legendary sense of humour, we have an awful lot going for us.

Phillip Walsh, chairman of the Friends of Real Lancashire, said that this year could prove to be the best yet with folk music, poetry, traditional Lancashire hotpot and plenty of fun.

And the day will also help Lancastrians connect with our past, present and future.

Let’s enjoy today and take time to reflect on all the marvellous things about our home county – surely the best in Britain.