CHOCOLATE lovers will be in for a treat when the eighth Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival takes place this weekend.

More than 60 stalls are set to feature as part of the 2016 gathering, which will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, March 19 and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, March 20.

Sweet-toothed snack lovers will be able to explore a range of attractions including a chocolate market in Bridge Street, featuring award-winning chocolatiers, street entertainment, a children's craft area, crazy golf and paint balling, alfresco dining, and local craft and food stalls.

Chairman of Ramsbottom Business Group, which organises the event, Gregg Fletcher said: “People will be able to take a wander through our market and browse the many varied stalls sampling artisan chocolates and a variety of carefully crafted products.

“Throughout the town we have a wide range of independent shops and cafes or you can jump on a steam train with the East Lancashire Railway.

“Ramsbottom has so much to offer. It’s well known for its eateries, bars and even its own brewery.

“We hope to see lots of people come along for a fun, family, food-filled event.”

When the event first kicked off in 2009 it included only 12 chocolate stalls situated in Market Place around the town’s iconic Urn sculpture.

There is free parking at various spots around the town centre or at Woodhey High School, in Bolton Road West.

People can leave their cars at the school for the day, for £1 and use a free shuttle bus to get in and out of town.

Ramsbottom Rotary Club’s duck race will also return on Sunday 20.

The rubber toys can be purchased and decorated at Bridge Street gardens, with a prize awarded for the best dressed before races at 12pm, 1pm, 1.45pm and 3pm.

Tickets for the races will be available from the Rotary Club and Weale & Hitchen in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom.

For more details: go to tinyurl.com/rammyduckrace