THIS year's Accrington Town Centre Walk was led by Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe.

He, fellow councillors and officials braved the rain for the annual tour which started at the town hall.

Shoppers and local business people were also invited to view the improvements carried out in the last couple of years and hear about new ventures taking place.

Coun Britcliffe, chairman of the Accrington town centre regeneration board, said: "It was noticeable how much the area had improved over the last two years.

'We found fewer empty shops, improved cleanliness and exciting new projects under way."

The walk ended at King Street Music and Sports Bar which is next to the site of Accrington's full screen cinema and 20 lane bowling alley which will open in June 2002.