AMBITIOUS plans have been drawn up by a Lancashire arts collective to mark the 400th anniversary of the Pendle Witches trial.

An exhibition at Clitheroe Castle and treks from Pendle to Lancaster are among the £154,000 proposals drawn up by Green Close Studios for next year’s commemoration.

The castle held the 10 witches, including Anne Whittle, Alice Nutter and Anne Southern, before their trial at Lancaster.

And each of the families involved lived in or around the villages of Blacko, Roughlee and Barley.

Talks have taken place between Mellling-based Green Close and Clitheroe Castle Museum over siting temporary artworks there.

Similar discussions have been ongoing with the Forest of Bowland over the walks element, which would retrace the witches journey from Pendle to Lancaster.

So far the project has been conditionally offered £10,000 by the county council’s arts development unit, dependent on further funding being obtained.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “Green Close has undertaken a significant research phase leading up to the development of the Witches programme.

“This included taking a lead role on planning and presenting the Lancashire Witches Symposium in February 2011 involving a wide range of organisations.”

If full financial backing is secured the programme will begin this October and also link in with museum service events for the 400th anniversary.

The castle museum is already playing host to a sound installation by composer Ailís Ní Ríain, as part of a commission backed by Mid Pennine Arts.