A MAGICAL pantomime will tomorrow take centre stage at Blackburn's Party in the Marquee.

Families with children up to four years old are invited to join the fun afternoon at Griffin Park between 12.30pm and 4pm.

The main attraction is three performances of a panto performed by Rough Magic Theatre. The first performance begins at 12.30pm and will last about 45 minutes.

The Sure Start team, together with Parents Forum members, will be on hand to explain about the benefits of Sure Start for families with young children.

Sure Start Programme Development Officer Julie Taylor said: "We chose Griffin Park as it has not yet benefited from Sure Start activities.

"We want the chance to explain the advantages of signing up to Sure Start to local residents. The organisation has much to offer parents, carers and children.

"The community as a whole benefits from our training and voluntary opportunities, pre-school provision, family support and health advice."

Coun Maureen Rishton, chairman of the Sure Start Management Board in Mill Hill, said: " Everyone is welcome to come along to this event, the first of it's kind at Griffin Park.

'Sure Start is gathering pace now in Mill Hill and Livesey and we want to make sure everyone knows about it."

Other crowd pullers will include Barn Owl Bill, while Blackburn Fire Service who will be bringing a fire engine and giving away free goody bags. There will also be a bouncy castle, disco and arts and crafts.

All activities are free but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Older brothers and sisters also welcome.

Sure Start is a government-funded initiative aimed at giving families with young children a flying start in life by offering a range of services and activities. For more information about Sure Start in Mill Hill and Livesey, call 01254 692817.