MILLENNIUM revellers will be given all the equipment they need to make the special occasion go with a bang.

Hyndburn Council has produced a Millennium 'tool kit' to give residents a head start on how to throw the best parties in East Lancashire.

The pack features advice on how people can hold street parties and even apply to celebrate in one of the borough's parks. Training courses will also be available later this year for community groups to stage events.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Council said: "We are expecting a lot of private events and parties to take place on Millennium Eve.

"Some people may want to close off streets or use parks and we have a responsibility to give advice and make sure everything is done safely and legally. The tool kit is an A to Z of how to organise an event and contains relevant contacts within the council.

"We are also hoping to get the police on board to see how major events will affect their resources."

Town hall chiefs are planning a year-long series of events to mark the year 2000, partly funded by a £30,000 grant awarded by the Millennium Commission.

A pageant, pop festival and Video Nation-style project are all planned, along with proposals for a youth council to let Hyndburn's youngsters have their say.

Anyone who would like a copy of the Millennium tool kit can get one from the information centre at Accrington Town Hall.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.