EAST Lancashire looks set for an action packed Father's Day weekend with a host of activities to keep all the family happy.

Both Colne and Blackburn look set to attract hundreds of people on Saturday as both Colne Gala and Blackburn 'Countryside Comes to Town' festival take place.

This year the annual Colne gala will see a variety of floats set off from Shaw Street at 11.15am before making their way through the town centre.

The line-up this year kicks off with the presentation of the gala queen and princess at 12.30pm before a variety of entertainment acts take place, including music by Water Brass Band, a tug of war, live bands, dancing from Helen Green Dancers, a stunt show and the final of Colne's Got Talent.

While in Blackburn CBebbies Mr Bloom will be on hand to bring a bit of star quality to the 'Countryside Comes to Town' festival.

The event will feature a petting farm, pony rides, street theatre, giant insects, tractors and an ugly bug ball. The event starts at 11am and finishes at 4.40pm.

Pre-school favourite Peppa Pig and her brother George will be going to meet and greet youngsters at East Lancashire Railway on Saturday and Sunday.

As part of the event there will be a circus skills workshop taking place in Ramsbottom and face painting and balloon modelling in Rawtenstall.

While also in Rawtenstall on Saturday, a Cancer Research UK Relay for Life will be taking place at Marl Pits Leisure Centre featuring stalls and bands.

The annual Ribchester Village Field day is set for Saturday, which will include a colourful parade, complete with morris dancers, bands, stalls, children's races and a tug of war.

Other events taking place this weekend include Pendle Heritage Centre open garden weekend, and on Sunday a great greyhound walk around Witton Park, a Motor and Monster Truck Madness event at Thornton Hall Farm and the Forest Park Festival at Thompsons and Queens park in Burnley.

Event organiser for Countryside Comes to Town, Harriet Roberts, said: “We are lucky to have such a wonderful green space in the town centre and to be able to use it for such a fantastic family fun event.

“We know from our research parents want more things to do with the children in the town centre.This is what we are providing and there will be more in 2016.”