A CAMPAIGN to save one of East Lancashire's best-known buildings has been launched - with celebrity backing.

More than £250,000 is needed to save the oldest part of Samlesbury Hall, in Preston New Road between Blackburn and Preston, from collapsing.

Now East Lancashire stars, comedian Dave Spikey, four-times world champion motorcyclist Carl Fogarty and antiques expert Eric Knowles, have backed a new campaign, called Flying the Flag, to help save the hall.

Samlesbury Hall, which dates back to 1325, was saved from demolition in 1924 by a charity set up to look after it.

It now has a year to raise the money needed to repair The Long Gallery.

The ancient timbers that support the roof of the long gallery have deteriorated so badly that the only option is to remove the existing roof tiles, take out the timbers and replace them.

People will be asked to buy a roof tile to help support the campaign. Sharon Jones, managing director, at Samlesbury Hall, said: "From the outside, the roof looks fine and you'd never guess there is anything wrong.

"But there are a lot of problems lurking under the exterior and they are expensive problems to put right. If we lose the roof, we lose the Hall.

"It is a huge job but we need to get it done as soon as possible."

Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey, from Chorley, said: "I'm a big fan of Samlesbury Hall, with its scenery, history and ghost - so I hope the whole county gets behind this appeal. It is one of my favourite places to visit. The Samlesbury Hall ghost Lady Dorothy may have died of a broken heart, but rescuing the hall should put a smile back on her face."

It is also a favourite with Nelson man Eric Knowles of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.

He said: "There is nothing else like the distinctive charm of Samlesbury Hall.

"I've enjoyed many happy hours exploring there and I hope people will be discovering its secrets for generations to come.

"Without this vital work on the roof we are in danger of losing this wonderful part of Lancashire's heritage which would be terrible." Blackburn Rovers legend Simon Garner added: "I visited Samlesbury Hall several times when I was playing at Blackburn Rovers. It's really interesting."

Superbike star Carl Fogarty said: "It's such a famous and well-known landmark that it would be a real shame to lose it. It's full of character."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "This hall is part of the history and fabric of our area, attracting 20,000 visitors a year. This campaign is vital to maintaining the hall as a top tourist attraction and maintaining this heritage for future generations."

The Fly the Flag campaign is being launched at the Samlesbury Hall Open Day this Saturday and will be supported through the year with a series of fundraising events.