AN estimated 6,000 people attended a fun day in celebration of St George's Day at Towneley Park, Burnley.

This was in contrast to last year, which was washed-out by the weather. The event was launched seven years ago by a small group wanting to promote the patron saint of England in the same way that St Andrew's and St Patrick's Days are celebrated.

One of the organisers, Mark Robinson, said: "We have had a good few thousand people on this time from quite early in the morning.''

A decision on which charity will receive the day's profits will be made when a final figure is available. Mark said: "We have a couple of possibilities in mind, but first want to know how much money is available.

Mark added: "In Millennium year St George's Day falls on a Sunday and so we might try to have an extra big event."

Attractions at the fun day included the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, Lancashire Fire Service, a dog agility display, miniature railway, go-karts, charity stalls and a fun fair.

Hundreds of youngsters in the Scout movement took part in annual St George's Day parades across East Lancashire. Rawtenstall's was attended by the Mayor, Coun Mollie Disley, and other civic leaders, following a service at St Mary's CE Church. Members of the various groups within the Scouting movement took part.

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