ACCLAIMED playwright Alan Bennett is to launch the grand finale of this year's Canal 2000 festival tomorrow.

The festival, which celebrates East Lancashire's waterways through arts, has been part-organised by Burnley's Mid Pennine Arts, and a host of East Lancashire organisations.

The finale of the event will be Two Thousand Candles where a five mile stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, running through Burnley, will be lit up with thousands of candles.

Alan Bennett will light the first candle shortly before 7pm, which will be the signal for teams of people from schools and local groups to light up the five-mile stretch.

Members of the public can also light a candle and organise their own canalside charity walk.

As well as the illumination of the canal other events and entertainment will be on offer including jugglers and fire-eaters.