A RIGHT royal knees up could be on the cards in Rossendale after the council encouraged residents to stage street parties to mark the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

National pride will be on display when the pair tie the knot at Westminster Abbey on April 29 next year.

And Valley residents can join in the celebrations with a street bash after the council announced it will offer licences to anyone interested.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has produced a guide to help residents across the country to plan and organise a street party without last minute licensing problems.

Rossendale Council is also currently devising a more specific licensing plan for the Valley and is asking anyone that has already decided to hold a street party to let them know in advance.

Bacup ward councillor Jimmy Eaton, who organises fund-raising parties for OAPs every year, has backed the idea.

He said: “I think the idea of a street party to celebrate the Royal wedding is a great. It would be a good way of bringing the community together and making sure the most vulnerable members of our community are also included.

“I would urge community groups, charities, schools and neighbours to come together and think about throwing a street party. It is an event the whole country can celebrate.

“I am going to suggest organising a street party for the members of Bacup’s A, B and D Centre. Anyone who is going to plan a street party must acquire a special licence from the council which will help the day to go much more smoothly.”

Street licence forms can be found by visiting www.rossendale.gov.uk and must be submitted to the Rossendale Council’s one-stop shop, in Lord Street, Rawtenstall. Each takes between four and six weeks to be processed.

For more information visit www.streetparty.org.uk.