And the football club have organised an evening of sport and entertainment, which will kickstart a 10-day festival in the town.

Supported by a grant from the National Lottery Award For All scheme, the evening will see Manchester United legend Alex Stepney act as guest speaker, accompanied by comedian Mick Monroe and MC Andy Ashworth.

To reserve seats, or for more information, contact Alan Smith (771963 or 07775717698).

Meanwhile, the Storks have appointed Paul Hargreaves as the club's new reserve team manager. He replaces former boss Ian Whittaker, who left the Storks to take up the first team managers position at Aegon West Lancashire league side Burnley United.

Hargreaves is a former Padiham first team player whose only other managerial experience was with Read United FC in the East Lancashire League.

In line with the club's first team managers appointment Hargreaves will be expected to recruit local players and work closely with the club's youth section.

Padiham began their pre-season training on Saturday, and will hold further sessions at Gawthorpe on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, commencing at 7 p.m.