THE Orient is coming to East Lancashire with a celebration of Chinese culture to mark the opening of a new herbal medicine clinic.

Colourful Chinese lion dancers and folk dancers will celebrate the ShiZhen Clinic's opening at Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, next to the market hall, next Saturday.

Martial arts experts will give demonstrations of Kung Fu and Tai Chi in the square and Chinese calligraphists will be on hand to write visitors' names in Chinese characters between 10am and 6pm. The clinic, which is thought to be the first of its kind in East Lancashire, is named after a 16th century herbal expert. It will be staffed by Chinese herbal doctors who will hold consultations with patients before selling formulas of imported herbs made up in the pharmacy.

On Saturday, they will give demonstrations of acupuncture and talks on common medical problems.

For more information, call the ShiZhen Clinic on 01254 66 0123.