CHORLEY was at the forefront of tourism again this week as the town went on show at the UK's largest trade fair.

Already the market town has figured predominately at the massive G-Mex Holiday Show in Manchester which attracted more than 80,000 visitors, and again last month at the North West Tourist Board's own Great Days Out Fair.

But now, Chorley is under the spotlight again as Chorley council's tourism unit travel to Birmingham to take part in the giant British Travel Trade Fair.

The event, which started this Wednesday, is the largest exhibition of its kind and is internationally recognised as the venue for UK tourism attractions and destinations.

John Wilson, leader of Chorley Borough Council, believes Chorley has a lot to offer.

He said: "We have got many attractions here in Chorley and we will be teaming up with Camelot Theme Park for the event in Birmingham.

"What we want to do is put Chorley well and truly on the tourism map - it's a great place to live and to visit.

"There is a great deal in our borough from the Antiques Trail to the West Pennine Moors and we feel that not only should we be proud of it, but we should not hold back when it comes to telling the rest of the country what they are missing."

Councillor Wilson added: "Events like this can help bring tourism business into our borough and we feel that this is an opportunity that we should not miss.

"This year's event in Birmingham will be the second year running that Chorley has had a presence. This time the council has come up with a mouth-watering taste for showgoers - Chorley Cakes!

"The exhibition is described by the organisers as the whole of Britain under one roof. We believe Chorley should be there and we intend to make our presence felt."

Local attractions to be promoted at the Fair will include the town's markets, Astley Hall, Hoghton Tower and Cedar Farm Galleries.

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