LANCASHIRE County Council has produced an action-packed leaflet detailing the county's full programme of events for 2003.

Among the top attractions this year will be the Royal Lancashire Show in the Ribble Valley in July.

Burnley's Balloon Festival and the Blackburn's Mela are also expected to bring in crowds of people.

Details are contained in the brochure produced by the county's tourism unit as a guide to all shows, festivals, galas and exhibitions.

It includes many activities for youngsters such as the Hallowe'en Spooktacular at Camelot Theme Park, Charnock Richard, and the Kids Megafest 2003 at various towns across the county this summer.

Other highlights to this year's calendar include the Blackpool illuminations and theatre productions of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre at the Charter Theatre, Preston, from March 4 to 8.

Last year, Burnley hosted the county's first balloon festival as the colourful balloons took to the skies above Lancashire providing a spectacular display to thousands of visitors.

This year's event, expected to exceed last summer's record crowds, will be on July 26 and 27.

Music lovers of all tastes are not being left out. From jazz to contemporary, festivals are scattered throughout the area.

Tune into the Lancashire Folk and Dance Festival throughout Accrington and Oswaldtwistle on May 16 to 18.

Or perhaps turn up to Rock FM's 'Feel the Noise' at Ewood Park in June.

County councillor Wendy Dwyer, spokeswoman for tourism at Lancashire County Council, said: "The wide range of events just goes to show what Lancashire is made of and they are therefor local people to let their hair down, as well as people coming to the county for the first time to see our fabulous heritage and sights."

The brochure will be available in libraries and other public buildings.

It will also include events in villages across Lancashire from rose queens, town crier competitions to plant sales and antique fairs.

Those who would like a free copy can ring the tourism hotline on 01772 263369.