A TWO-day celebration to mark St George’s Day has been planned for Darwen.

Council bosses have set aside £5,000 from the neighbourhood board pot to lay on festivities in the town’s market square.

They hope it will become an annual event similar to parties which celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland.

Among the festivities will be traditional English entertainment such as Punch and Judy, a bouncy castle and Morris dancing.

Meanwhile, Darwen’s first town crier, Coun Anthony Meleady, will be there, along with the town’s mayor, Paul Browne.

Eileen Guy, from Darwen neighbourhood board’s St George’s Day team, said: “There is so much that is good about England and living in Darwen, and it is about time we started celebrating.

“The neighbourhood board is inviting everyone to join us at Darwen Market Place. There is free parking and lots of free entertain-ment.

“St George’s Day is a great occasion and we want everyone to get involved, from children right up to older residents.”

The event will take place on St George’s Day itself, Friday, April 23, as well as on Saturday, April 24.

Organisers have also laid on a special competition for young residents.

Youngsters will be asked to explain why they are proud to be English, with the winner scooping an iPod.Bosses behind the day said police had been supportive in helping plan the two-day festivities, which will also include 80 large England flags decking out Bolton Road.

Blackburn with Darwen town hall chiefs have planned St George’s Day events for across the borough.

More information is available at www.blackburn. gov.uk.