A NEW guide to encourage more tourists to check out Blackburn has been launched.

The Blackburn with Darwen Visitors Guide will be distributed to 500 tourist and county information centres across the UK.

A total of 30,000 of the 64-page booklets have been published and it is hoped that they will persuade people to spend weekends in the borough towards the end of the summer.

Highlights include an annual events and attractions guide, features on countryside activities, entertainment and nightlife, sports and leisure, shopping, markets and millshops as well as where to eat and where to stay listings.

It will also be available locally and regionally at museums, galleries, libraries, hotels and visitor attractions.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "Many attractions within Blackburn with Darwen are well known and appreciated well beyond our boundaries and the impact this has on our image and people's perceptions of our area are incredibly important.

"The visitors guide helps to attract people to spend time in our area, supporting local businesses, encouraging economic growth and promoting a positive appreciation of our many great assets."