Nine reasons why Lancashire is better than Yorkshire

1. Blackpool. The quintessential British seaside destination - there’s nothing more English than fish and chips by Blackpool prom washed down with a pint in one of the town’s countless pubs.

2. Forest of Bowland. Yorkshire has its Dales, we have the FoB. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964, the area is relatively tourist-free and unspoiled. Lancashire at its most breath-taking.

3. Hot-pot. A dish with origins in Lancashire’s industrial age, this bonfire night favourite is cheap, delicious and very Lancashire.

4. Pies. Who doesn’t love a pie? Lancashire is home to Holland’s and the birthplace of the delectable butter pie.

5. Richard Arkwright. Born in Preston, he invented the spinning wheel and became known as ‘the Father of the Industrial Revolution’. You can thank Richard for those socks you’re wearing.

6. Entertainment - Wallace & Gromit creator, Nick Parker, is Preston born and bred while Phoenix Nights is set in Bolton. Peter Kay’s comedy series is practically a fly-on-the-wall documentary for anyone who has ever visited a social club in Lancashire.

7. History. Who needs York when Lancaster is on your doorstep? The whole of Lancashire is filled with fascinating ruins (referring to the buildings, not the residents) but Lancaster is home to the 11th century Lancaster Castle.

8. Gandalf is from Lancashire. At least, Ian McKellen is - he’s from Burnley. Other famous actors from our county include Maxine Peake (Bolton), Jane Horrocks (Rawtenstall) and Joseph Gilgun (Chorley).

9. We won the War of the Roses. Cheers Henry.