THE tale of the Pendle Witches is world famous — but now a new Heritage Lottery-funded project is hoping to unearth lesser known myths and legends from the wider area.

St Vincent's Housing Association has been awarded funding to retell the stories of East Lancashire myths and legends on film.

It will work with youngsters aged from 16 to 25 from the supported housing scheme Blackburn Foyer, and said there are limited places for other young residents to get involved.

The landlord will work with award-winning production company REELmcr and host a series of workshops during which time they will create two films to be screened at a festival.

The first will cover Blackburn with Darwen, while the second will cover the Rossendale Valley, Rawtenstall, Milnrow, and Todmorden.

REELmcr creative director, Jacqui Carroll, said: "We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with St Vincent’s and the people of Blackburn Foyer to unearth some of the forgotten stories of Lancashire.

"The county has a wonderful and rich heritage and we are looking forward to resurrecting old myths and legends and filming them for a new audience so that the tales and traditions are not lost.

“We would love as many people as possible from the community to take part, and would ask any residents with information or knowledge to contact the project and share what they know.

"In addition if anyone would like to get involved in any capacity, either appearing in the film or helping with production, please get in touch with us."

The projects will include visits to the Moors, Turton Tower and Clitheroe Castle that will help uncover myths and legends, while professional storytellers including Richard O’Neil, winner of the ‘National Literacy Hero’ award, and Blackburn’s Jackie Thompson, a screenwriter for the BBC, will also be helping commit the stories to film.

Anita Gibson, manager at The Blackburn with Darwen Foyer says: “Engagement with the project has been good. REELmcr have taken the time to get know our residents before widening the net and this has encouraged participation and engagement.

"Residents have enjoyed the activities learning about local myths and legends across Lancashire, and are looking forward to the celebratory event culminating in a large Hollywood style film premier in early 2016 at local venue in Blackburn."