FROM hot-pots to the rolling Pennine hills, people across the county have been celebrating all things Lancashire.

heir favourite things about the county on Lancashire Day.

Lancashire Day commemorates the time in 1295 when the county sent its first representatives to Parliament for what became known as The Model Parliament.

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It was first observed in 1996 with the loyal toast to ‘The Queen, Duke of Lancaster’.

Towns throughout the county host events, most notably readings of the Lancashire Day Proclamation.

As events take place across the county today, the Lancashire Telegraph spoke to some of the county’s best-known faces about what they think makes Lancashire great.

Comedian Jim Bowen, best known for presenting Bullseye, was brought up in Padihamand attended Accrington Grammar School.

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He said: I am a very proud Lancastrian, I have lived here all my life and in my opinion there is no where quite like it.

“Lancashire is a county of substance. We have fantastic people, impressive countryside, great businesses and a lot of home grown talent.”

“I love the Ribble Valley which has beautiful countryside and Blackpool which is such a unique place and it’s great to see that the importance of the ballroom has been recognised in recent years.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “My favourite thing about Lancashire is the people.”

who are exceptionally warm.

“Lancastrians are the best neighbours you could have. We also have fantastic countryside and great places to visit. People often talk about the Yorkshire countryside but the thing with Yorkshire is that it’s just not Lancashire.

“A true Lancashire day would be have my favourite pies from Cissy Greens in Haslingden and a walk up Darwen Tower.”

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Damms said: “Lancashire has a world wide reputation for manufacturing and a long established history of success in industry.”

“At the moment Lancashire appears to be particularly in fashion in terms of businesses and the economy is doing really well.

“It is also a lovely place to live and spend recreational time.”

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher moved from Scotland to the Ribble Valley when he joined the team and now says he wouldn’t live anywhere else.

He said: “I have lived in the Ribble Valley for 21 years, we have laid our roots here.

“We are spoiled living here in Lancashire. We have a huge amount of fantastic restaurants and places to eat, wonderful countryside and it’s a lovely place to bring up a family.

“The quality of life is fantastic and things are more affordable here than other parts of the country.

“We have been asked if we would move home to Scotland but this is our home now. I can walk out my door and see Pendle Hill which I absolutely love.”

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “I think it’s the people that make Lancashire what it is, their directness and openness.

“We have unrivalled countryside, in particular I like to visit Whalley Nab, the Trough of Bowland and the walks from Billington through Pleasington to Horton.

“Lancashire also has wonderful home grown produce which is being used more and more in our local pubs and restaurants. “