A LITTLE taste of the seaside is set to transform landlocked Barnoldswick into a mini-Blackpool for the next three weeks.

An inland cove has been created in the town square under a giant marquee, complete with buckets and spades.

Thunder and lightning greeted the official launch on Saturday.

But the promoters of the sands, Barnoldswick Town Council, are not downhearted and are keeping their fingers crossed for more traditional August weather from now on.

Town council chairman Stephen Demaine launched the beachside experience, with the donkeys moving indoors to dodge the downpours.

The beach, which will be free to enter and is also backed by Pendle Council and the Rainhall Centre, is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Saturday, August 27.

This week’s activities include Punch and Judy shows, the chance to try out surfing, story telling, a treasure hunt, craft workshops and painting.