AN auction with a difference has saved Pendle Council 60 per cent on its stationery bill.

The savings were made at a reverse auction where the prices go down instead of up.

Joining up with neighbouring councils Rossendale and Hyndburn, the trio of authorities reduced their stationary bills by a total of £37,000.

Kevin Stansfield, audit manager at Pendle Council, said: "Reverse auctions are organised to promote fair competition for businesses to provide services or products to the buyer at competitive rates.

"The auction was set up via East Lancashire e-Partnership and conducted over an internet site."

It is the first time East Lancashire's councils have taken part in internet reverse auctions.