PENDLE’S annual Canal Festival marked the grand opening of Reedley Marina at the weekend Tourism bosses hope the new facility, part of the £3million canal corridor project, will lure thousands of visitors to Pendle and boost the economy.

Hundreds of visitors took part in the event on Saturday, which was also attended by the borough’s mayor.

Coun Allan Buck, cabinet member for economic devel-opment and tourism, said: “The day was a fantastic success. The marina was full of boats and there were hundreds of people there too.

“With the views it offers over Pendle, I think it’s a magnificent facility and it will really help us boost tourism in the borough. Most of the money going into the marina was private, but it has been brilliantly spent.”

Visitors on Saturday were treated to the marina’s official opening by Coun Shelagh Derwent, Mayor of Pendle, and owner Jason Fildes.

Entertainment was provided by the Nelson Brass Band, local group Twisted Reel and magician Mark Waddington.

Pendle’s tourism manager Vaughan Jones said: “Tourism is worth £75 million a year to Pendle and supports more than 1,000 jobs.”