A NEWLY-appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire is calling on people from all walks of life to come together for the celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee this summer.

Kam Kothia, a member of the Lancashire Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Committee, said the onus was on community leaders to realise the potential of the occasion.

He is particularly calling for members of the Asian community to get involved.

So far only 10 applications for street parties have been processed by councils in East Lancashire although dozens of other events are being organised.

Mr Kothia said: “A big part of what makes this country great is the service and sacrifice of our Queen, so it is only natural that we would want to celebrate the occaision.

“This is a tough time for the nation, and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations give us all an opportunity to put a smile on everyone’s faces.”

With Her Majesty set to visit Accrington and Burnley in May and the 2012 Olympic torch relay passing through the region in June, Mr Kothia is hopeful that neighbourhoods will be out in force to witness the events.

“It really is fantastic news for the area, and I am sure that all our local communities will be going out on the day and giving Her Majesty a really warm Lancashire welcome,” he added.

Streets in Blackburn that will be closed off for parties include French Road, part of Infirmary Street and New Bank Road, along with Osborne Terrace in Darwen.

Gina Lambert, traffic technician at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We’ve had quite a few enquiries and we’re expecting a lot more closer to the time. We already have more planned than for last year’s Royal Wedding.”

In Burnley, Eldwick Street, Scott Park Road and Brunshaw Avenue are planning parties along with Albert Street and Waterside Mews in Padiham.

Hyndburn Borough Council have only received one application, although more than 40 packs for street parties have been distributed.

In the Ribble Valley, Chatburn’s playing fields, which were commissioned in recognition of the Queen’s ascension to the throne 60 years ago, will play host to an array of Jubilee events, including a cricket match, a Big Lunch picnic, a barbeque and a sports day.

Events in Pendle Borough include open air lunch and music in Walverden Park, Nelson, entertainment at St John’s Methodist Church, Colne, a 12-hour Party in the Park in Laneshawbridge and a street party in Leyland Close, Trawden.

Community group Fence United will also be hosting a black tie Diamond Jubilee Ball among a series of other festivities in Fence village.

Rossendale Borough Council is not formally organising any events and has had no street applications so far, despite small grants being available to encourage potential hosts.