SPIDERS, ladybirds, dragonflies and all manner of creepy-crawlies will be making their way to Waddow Hall in Clitheroe tomorrow for a special Ugly Bug Ball.

The ball rounds off a week of activities at the Millipede 2000 camp, organised by the North West England Guide Association.

Prior to the camp, guides from across the North West sold things they had made, raising £700 for Christie Hospital and St Francis Hospital for Sick Children in Manchester.

During their stay at the camp, hundreds of Guides from East Lancashire and beyond have been busy making their insect costumes, complete with wings, antennae and extra legs.

Larger bugs which form the centre piece in the main marque have been created by art students at Blackburn College. As part of their course work the students studied real insects and looked at how their bodies were constructed.

They then used lightweight and where possible recycled materials on wire frames to create a host of four and eight legged winged creatures.

It has taken 12 months to create the bugs, some of which are more than 4ft high.

Camp spokesman Lynn Archer said: "The bugs are bound to be the star attraction and will certainly add atmosphere to the Ugly Bug Ball which will close the camp."

In keeping with the bug theme, a mural was painted on a car park wall and a pond revitalisation project funded by Lancashire County Council and Ribble Valley Council was completed.

Other activities at the camp included dry slope skiing, radio communication and a variety of games.

Earlier this week the guides were visited by Chief Guide of the Guide Association, Bridget Towle, the most senior adult volunteer in the Guide Association.

Also visiting the camp were the Mayor of Clitheroe, Councillor Alan Yearing and the Mayor of the Ribble Valley, Councillor Chris Holtom.