LANCASHIRE Day is being celebrated across the borough as people fly the red rose flag.

This year there are calls for the historic county to be reunited and form a devolved county-region.

Lancashire United is a cross-party body seeking to bring together Greater Manchester and Merseyside along with remaining areas of Lancashire.

The aim is to create a county-region with an elected assembly that is proud of its heritage.

A spokesman for Lancashire United said: “Now is the time to set out a vision for a new Lancashire which is forward-looking, inclusive and democratic, with real powers to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of the 21st century, post-Covid 19.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re white or black, male or female, gay or straight, born in Lancashire or from the other side of the globe. If you live here, and identify with Lancashire, we want your support for a strong county-region.

“The local government changes in the 1970s, which saw proud Lancashire towns lose their identities, was a disaster.

“Few people identify as ‘Greater Mancunians’ but many people from Bolton, Rochdale, Wigan and elsewhere remain stubbornly proud of their Lancashire heritage. We think the same is true for Merseyside.

“Imagine what a powerful region it would be if the economic clout of Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and their neighbours was brought under one regional umbrella, in partnership with strong local government.”

Friends of Real Lancashire member Cllr John Walsh welcomes any organisation that is supportive of the historic county of Lancashire.

Cllr Walsh said: “Any group who promote Lancashire are a positive thing. In the current economic climate it is probably not viable to split into a devolved region, but it is definitely something to look at in the future.

“Obviously today we won’t be able to have our usual celebrations but we can still fly the flag for Lancashire.”

Chris Green, Bolton West MP and patron of Friends of Real Lancashire, added: “The Historic County of Lancashire is as relevant today as it always has been because it is fundamentally about culture and identity.

“This is particularly represented in local sporting rivalries but I support moves that will bring all parts of Lancashire together.”