LOVERS of the great outdoors will soon have their own free guide to the many attractions around Blackburn and Darwen.

Outdoors -- an 84-page, full colour guide book -- has been compiled by staff from Blackburn with Darwen Council's marketing and tourism unit. It covers activities ranging from walking and mountain biking to climbing and sailing.

It is hoped the guide will help generate interest in East Lancashire as a tourist destination.

Included are sections on where to eat and drink in the area and advice on how best to enjoy the countryside. A number of selected walks are included, including maps and directions.

The introduction has been written by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's nature expert Ron Freethy.

Adam Scott, the council's director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, said: "The countryside around Blackburn and Darwen is particularly stunning and full of rich potential for adventure and exploration for all ages.

"The combination of magnificent scenery, fresh air and the range of activities available makes our local countryside a really worthwhile area to visit.

"The Outdoors guide will provide a comprehensive and informative directory to what is available for us all and it will also help to support the rural businesses who have suffered so badly in the past months."

Around 20,000 copies have been produced, which will be distributed to tourist information centres, museums and visitor centres across the UK.

Anyone wanting to reserve a free copy of the guide should contact Blackburn tourist information centre on Railway Road, Blackburn, telephone 01254 53277.