BUSINESSES in Blackpool will flourish this Easter as thousands of visitors and young sport stars attend an international competition at Stanley Park.

A range of sporting events are expected to attract a large influx of overnight visitors, which will benefit local hotels, restaurants and pubs.

The competition will see the kick-off of the largest amateur football tournament in the British Isles which features 130 teams from seven European countries, with competitors taking part in team and individual activities, all competing for the Blackpool Cup.

As well as football there will be the 49th annual Blackpool hockey festival with 60 teams from across the country fighting for the top prize.

And some 500 semi-professional bowlers will be gracing the greens in a bowling tournament.

The events take place on April 22 and April 23.

Call the council's leisure services division on (01253) 478431 for more details.