THE leader of the Conservative group on Hyndburn Council likes his seasonal festivities to be on home ground.

Tomorrow, for instance, he will attend a family carol service with his young daughter Sara at Holy Trinity Church, Oswaldtwistle.

He said: "Traditional carol services such as this are a piece of real Christmas for thousands in many churches throughout the area."

The former council leader will then travel on to Ewood Park with youngest son Dominic to watch Blackburn Rovers take on the might of Manchester United. "Obviously I'm expecting Rovers to win, but whatever the result it should be a thriller," Coun Britcliffe said.

He believes Sunday will be a good day to take pre-Christmas time off from working in the kitchen.

"After the match we will enjoy one of the many fine Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants in Hyndburn," he added.

"Finally, what better than a night at the local in Oswaldtwistle -- either karaoke in the Black Dog or Angela's jokes in the Rose and Crown. The perfect day -- so long as Rovers win," he said.