COUNCIL bosses hope the arrival of a mountain bike festival will provide an economic boost for Rossendale.

Promoters of Northern Grip have selected Lee Quarry, near Bacup, for their 2017 outing.

The decision helps to cement the borough's reputation as an 'Adrenaline Gateway'.

Cllr Andy MacNae, the council's tourism champion, is hopeful the event will have a wider impact, from Rawtenstall to Bacup, over the weekend of July 8.

Cllr MacNae said: "We are really pleased to attract Northern Grip to Rossendale.

"It is a great acknowledgement that some of the best mountain biking in the country can be found at at Lee Quarry and Cragg Quarry.

"What will be important is whether we can attract people to the valley for the weekend, so they can spend money in local restaurants, shops and bars.

"This is what we are hoping to deliver, through our tourism attractions locally."

David Agnew, Northern Grip organiser, said the combination of trails activity, new bike demonstrations and 'music, food and beer', would attract people to the 2017 festival.

He added: "Lee Quarry is a fantastic venue for Northern Grip to shine a spotlight on this year and we'll be building a festival hub to bring all the comforts and culture which people loved last year – and much more.

"A bigger, better and bolder Northern Grip will include big and little bike brands, which will be announced in the coming weeks, offering a opportunity to make the most of two days around Lee Quarry and the Rossendale fells."

Beyond the two quarries, there is also a link to further trails at Facit Quarry, in nearby Whitworth. Stone from Britannia quarry was used to create a route between the sites around seven years ago.

Council bosses have also been attempting to develop a trailhead centre, including a retail bike store, cafe and workshop, with toilets, showers, and changing facilities.

The original concept was backed and engineered by Lancashire County Developments and the European Single Regeneration Budget.