GISBURN will be turned into a racecourse this weekend for the annual Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt Point-to-Point.

Up to 10,000 visitors are expected at attend this family day out at Westby Hall Farm in Gisburn.

Gates open at noon on Saturday for spectators to picnic, buy from the specialist country fare and clothing stands and soak up the pre-race atmosphere while studying the form.

The course is three miles long with 18 4ft 6in high fences and the race is a traditional "thank you" to the 700 farmers who allow hunts to take place on their land throughout the season.

The point-to-point originated more than a century ago when members of the local hunt at the end of the season challenged each other to a race from one point to another, such as to a church steeple and back again.

Michael Bannister, joint master of the Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt, said: "It is our chance to thank the farmers for allowing us to use their land and the event has been running for about a century in its various guises.

"We look forward to welcoming everybody and hope that we have a fine day and great fun."