RUSSIANS rambling around Rivington? Czechs checking out Chorley?

Is the borough braced for a foreign invasion as the European Football Championships loom?

Well, perhaps not an invasion, but Chorley is prepared to welcome some foreign guests to Lancashire next month.

Thousands of soccer supporters from Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Russia will be coming to the North West to watch their teams play at Anfield and Old Trafford.

And while many will be staying in Liverpool and Manchester, some will drift further afield into Lancashire where hotels are set for a major boost.

The Euro '96 Lancashire Accommodation Register has been specially produced by Lancashire County Council to encourage supporters to stay in the county and enjoy the hospitality and attractions between matches.

It features Chorley's Park Hall Hotel Leisure and Conference Centre, Charnock Richard; Briarfield House, Anderton; Gladmar Country Hotel, Adlington; The Hartwood, Chorley; Jepsons Farm, Anglezarke; The Mill Hotel, Croston; The Original Farmers Arms, Eccleston; The Old Water Mill, Heapey; and The Roost, Chorley.

The county council's tourist information centre at Charnock Richard has already received many inquiries for accommodation both from the public and travel trade in Britain and oversees.

A spokesperson at Park Hall said: "We have had a response. A German company is staying over for several nights and we have some Italians as well. There are also several UK companies. It is more corporate hospitality than individuals."

She added: "We are putting special things on for each individual company, but at this stage it has to be finalised."

County Councillor Roy Lewis, chairman of Lancashire's tourism sub-committee, said 12,000 copies of the register were now in circulation.

"The register has been widely circulated at tourism exhibitions in Germany and Italy, to consulates, tourist information centres and sent directly to fans inquiring about accommodation."

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