YOUNGSTERS from across Europe are set to descend on Preston next year to mark the millennium.

A Midsummer festival is being planned for July next year, involving children from Preston and the borough's European twins, Nimes, Kalisz, Almelo and Reckinghausen.

Invitations have been sent to each of Preston's twin towns, asking for suggestions for events to be included in the festival.

Borough council workers envisage sport, performing art and cultural activities will all be included in the event.

Leisure bosses also hope to use parts of this year's SummerFest - a festival providing on-street entertainment, street theatre and live music, due to take place next month - to turn the Year 2000 festival into a month-long celebration.

By involving the borough's European partners, the council may be eligible to receive European funding for the project.

A council spokesman said: "Local community groups will be approached as well to arrange further events.

"Grants of between £500 and £5,000 will be available to organisations who will stage events."

He added:"If all these proposals come to fruition it will be possible for the month of July to become Preston's major celebration for the millennium.

"It would provide a spectacle for both locals and visitors to the town. We have spoken to Preston College and they are keen to be involved. Both Nimes and Kalisz have expressed an interest as well."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.