THE drive to put Blackburn and its market on the map for coach tours is being stepped up.

Representatives of 18 companies, travel groups and industry magazines from all over England will attend a three-day promotional showcase starting on Sunday.

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The campaign is the brainchild of Blackburn with Darwen council’s markets’ commercial manager David Smith.

Last year 10 coach tours were attracted to the borough and so far this year another 10 have visited.

Mr Smith hopes to get dozens more by the end of 2015 and more than 100 in 2016.

The showcase event ‘Welcome to Lancashire and Blackburn Market’ will see the guests staying at the Samlesbury Hotel.

It includes a tour of Blackburn Cathedral, a visit to the nearby market and lunch in Butler’s Family Restaurant.

There is also a tour of Blackburn and a trip to The Chocolate House before a Witches’ Tour and dinner at Samlesbury Hall.

Tuesday takes in a visit to Hoghton Tower and a canal cruise.

While the weekend’s focus is on Blackburn Market as the destination for the coaches, a similar marketing exercise is being mounted round Darwen’s market, stressing the town’s Victorian attractions.

Mr Smith said that Blackburn market was the ideal base for a variety of nearby attractions, including Clitheroe Castle, Whalley Abbey, King George’s Hall, Thwaites Empire Theatre, and Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park.

He said: “We have a great market here in Blackburn in the centre of a historic weaving town.”