IT's party time today as Lancashire residents paint the county red.

Towns and villages will be bathed in a rosy glow as people celebrate Lancashire Day.

From hotpot to black pudding or Pendle Witches to Blackpool Tower, there will be something for everyone as the region’s businesses and producers come together to celebrate the county's history.

November 27 marks the day that the first elected representatives from Lancashire were called to Westminster in 1295.

They met with King Edward I to attend what later became known as 'The Model Parliament'.

For the past 12 years, The Friends of Real Lancashire have organised Lancashire Day celebrations and they think this year will prove to be the best yet.

Phillip Walsh, chairman of Friends of Real Lancashire said: “It’s just going from strength to strength.

“People have really taken to it and just run with the idea.

“It’s a very important celebration and allow us to connect with our past, the present and also look to the future.

“There is still a lot going on in Lancashire and still much more that we have to offer.”

The friends have organised traditional events outside Blackburn town hall, Accrington market hall, Churchfield House in Great Harwood and Clitheroe market.

Blackburn Market is also getting involved and from 11am, there will be traditional Lancashire folk music and poetry courtesy of Phil Knight Experience in Blackburn Market and free tasters of Lancashire treats. Sprout Cafe in Darwen Street will be serving a free afternoon tea from 2pm — home -made and full of scrumptious local produce — and hosting talks from guest speakers about fracking.

In Briercliffe, the Happa rescue centre has been getting into the spirit all week and tucking into the red rose fare.

Happa’s development officer, Julie Rickwood-Gan said: “We had a Lancashire cheese tasting day on Monday and then an afternoon tea with Lancashire jam on Tuesday. It’s been really good fun so far but we’re hoping that even more people will join us today for our hotpot dinner and fruit crumble at 12.30pm.”