AN art trail will celebrate Barnoldswick's crafts as part of the town's first week-long Festival of Arts and Crafts- culminating in the James Wilson World Pie Championship.

Kicking off on Monday, February 13 and running until Saturday, February 18, the art trail through the town will feature spectacular 'junk' sculptures created from products made in Barnoldswick.

The festival will also feature the 'world pie championship' named after the late radio presenter, fundraiser and head judge of the contest, James Wilson. This year, it will be judged by BBC Radio Lancashire's Graham Liver.

The 'Love Barnoldswick' themed event will host dozens of artists, crafters and other creatives in venues across the town centre, with activities throughout the week leading to the grand finale on Saturday with exhibitions, a makers' market, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Town councillor David Whipp, one of the organisers of the event said: "Sustainability is a strong strand of the Love Barnoldswick theme. Children completing the art trail will be rewarded with refillable water bottles which they'll be able to use at the growing number of refill stations in the town.

"Junk modelling sessions will use waste material and packaging from local manufacturers, and sculptures are being created using local companies' products. There'll be lots going on throughout the week, ranging from chainsaw carving to creative writing, and Saturday will be action-packed with lots to see and do."

He added: "The pie competition is named after the late local radio presenter James Wilson, who inspired us to host the world championships a few years ago. The pies will be exhibited at a venue along the route of the art trail. Visitors will find art installations along the trail, together with a wide range of hands-on activities and artists' demonstrations."

Barnoldswick's festival gets underway on Monday, February 13 with junk modelling on the Town Square and Lego, board games and a photography exhibition at the library. Activities continue throughout the half-term week at various venues and conclude on Saturday.

A slideshow of Love Barnoldswick pictures will also be projected onto a giant screen in the Town Square.

The event is organised by Barnoldswick Town Council and is part funded by the Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.

Rules for the pie competition are straight-forward - pies can be either meat or vegetarian but they need to be 'proper' pies meaning they must have a pastry base and pastry top. In both sections, there are sections for juniors, adults and professionals.

Pies can be brought along on the Saturday of the event, but before 11am. More details on Team Barnoldswick, Facebook.