ONLY one major community event has been organised in East Lancashire to mark the 60th anniversary of the independence of India.

The event at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Friday, is organised by the Eastern Sangeet Society in Blackburn.

The Eastern Sangeet Society was established in 1983 to encourage South Asian people in East Lancashire to learn to play traditional instruments.

Singers, poets and musicians will come together in a showcase to commemorate the independence day at 7.30pm.

India's independence day, celebrated on August 15, marks the country's independence from British rule in 1947.

The independence also saw the creation of another country - Pakistan - primarily for Muslims.

Coun Salim Mulla, for Queens Park, said: "In this area there has never been celebration events in the community to mark the independence.

"It is a shame. We should do more to celebrate the occasion."