THOUSANDS of people gathered to celebrate as part of Lancashire Day.

The red rose flag was hoisted above town halls and proclamations were read out on their steps.

Lancashire Day marks the date in 1295 when the first elected representatives from the county were called to Westminster by King Edward I.

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Weaving demonstrations, traditional songs, and a trial challenge were the order of the day at the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley.

Visitors were given tours of the engine and boiler room, while Sid Calderbank took them back to the mill’s heyday with a collection of Lancashire street ballads accompanied by classical violinist Joy Hunter.

The mill’s historic engine, Peace, was in action throughout the afternoon.

And proud Burnley ‘ambassadors’ gathered at the town hall to fly the flag. Mayor Coun Andy Tatchell said: “ I think it is important to celebrate the long history of Lancashire.”

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Town crier Rawden Kerr read the Lancashire Day proclamation outside Accrington Town Hall at 10.30am alongside mayor Coun Munsif Dad, followed by the raising of the red rose flag.

Traditional Lancashire food was given away by Baxenden-based Holland’s Pies until lunchtime, and celebrity chef Tom Bridge from the Great British Bake Off joined in the fun.

Proclamations were held at Churchfield House, Great Harwood at noon, and in at the corner ofParker Street, Rishton at 2pm.

Coun Dad said: “It was a reasonably good turn out as always. The pies were made with special pastry for the day and people walking past were encouraged to have a bite.

“Overall, as a proud Lancastrian myself, I was very humbled to represent the borough at these events.” and we are very grateful to the people who came out. Long may it continue.”

At noon, a proclamation was read in Clitheroe town centre. A Lancashire market was held at Pendle Primary School, and activities were also held at Helmshore Textile Museum.

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At the Park Hall Hotel, in Chorley, stalls sold local produce and crafts, and Philippa James gave cookery demonstrations.

A raffle was also broadcast live on local radio.