A SERIES of high profile public meetings is being staged to help shape the future of Lancashire's economy.

Events organised by the North West Development Agency will look a series of subjects including competitiveness and inward investment.

A seminar on trade union matters will be held in Burnley on April 8 as part of the series.

The North West is the only region in the UK to throw open seminars to the public.

"The North West is well ahead of other regions in preparing its strategy and we have to ensure that every sector, every industry, every good idea is taken on board as we craft our region's future," said Lord Terry Thomas, chairman of the NWDA.

The agency's members include Dennis Mendoros, chairman of the Nelson-based North West Aerospace Alliance, and Burnley Labour councillor Kath Reade.

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