A RECORD-BREAKING 3,000 party people are expected on the streets of Darwen tomorrow for the town's annual gala.

Police are warning motorists to avoid the area but want people to enjoy the day.

Sgt Anne Scott said: "This is a day for Darwen and for Darwen people and families. There has never been any trouble in the past and it is a great day for the town.

"It will be a very busy day because, of course, Rovers are playing at home and there will be thousands of people on the streets."

Organisers were preparing the parade route today and will be up early tomorrow to ensure preparations have been completed.

John Sturgess, chairman of the Darwen Gala committee, said: "The aim is to provide a free day out for all the family and to give local charities the chance to promote themselves and raise money. We want people to show their support to the gala because we want it to continue many years."

Charity stalls will be in place at Borough Road field and will sell items after the mayor's speech at 1.30pm which officially opens the gala. Dozens of classic cars and floats will feature in the road parade setting off at 12.30pm from Anchor Road.

Blackburn with Darwen mayor councillor Mike Barrett said: "It's going to be a fantastic day and I hope the weather holds out."

Eight police officers will be on the scene making sure events run smoothly. Sgt Scott said: "We will have a briefing at 11.30am and we will have officers guiding the procession down the A666 and up Borough Road. Traffic along the main road will be very slow so we are advising drivers to take a different route, rather than use the A666." Meanwhile, Friends of Bold Venture Park are holding a stall at the gala featuring tombola and raffle prizes, including a watercolour painting of the park and a bottle of House of Commons whisky donated by Darwen MP Janet Anderson. All funds raised will go towards improvements to the park.