BLOOMIN' marvellous villages in the Chorley area have entered the race to find Lancashire's Best Kept Village.

And, as an area which boasts some of the prettiest and cleanest villages in the county, it is hardly surprising that dozens in the Chorley area have already submitted entries.

Among those competing for a prestigious title include the picture-postcard village of Mawdesley, home to The Black Bull and The Red Lion pubs, which was Highly Commended in last year's competition.

Other entries include Lower Adlington, Higher Adlington, Bretherton, Charnock Richard, Coppull and Heapey.

Picturesque Eccleston and neighbouring Croston are also vying for a winning trophy along with Hoghton, Welch Whittle, Lower Wheelton, Higher Wheelton, White Coppice and Whittle-le-Woods.

As the country's largest competition of its kind the prestigious event attracts hundreds of entries each year.

Entries for this year's competition can be submitted by any resident or village organisation, that can get the support and involvement of the rest of the village, or well defined community.

Entry forms and more details are available from Donald Cameron, BKV Organiser, Community Council of Lancashire, 15 Victoria Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 8PS or call 01772 717461 or 718710.

Closing date for entries is April 2.

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