WEST Lancashire will be playing its part in Liverpool's European Capital of Culture celebrations when the district's town crier leads Liverpool's Lord Mayor's Parade on Saturday (June 7).

Skelmersdale's Don Evans has taken part in the event for the last five years.

He said: "I am honoured to been involved with the parade this weekend. It should be bigger and better this year because it is Capital of Culture year. It is quite a highlight of the year for me."

Don has to make a proclamation at the start of the parade on Pall Mall in front of thousands of people. He tells the crowd what is happening on the day.

The district's town crier then leads the parade through Liverpool. The parade goes through the commercial end of the city and past Lime Street.

Don is then involved with the presentation of the new Lord Mayor by the town hall on Castle Street.

Meanwhile Don will be entertaining competitors in the Jospice Ladies Midnight Walk 2008, which is to be held this Friday.

The town crier will be playing his organ and making announcements during the evening.

Organisers of the event are hoping to get 1,000 or more ladies putting their best feet forward in aid of the area's oldest largest hospice.

Entry for the race costs £7 per person which pays for a goodie bag, T shirt and walk refreshments.

Last year's event raised £60,000 and organisers are hoping to break that record in 2008.

For more information log onto http://www.jospice.org.uk/fund.htm