FOUR firms are giving a group of visitors from the Czech Republic an insight into East Lancashire's economy.

The four young workers are visiting the borough as part of a European Union-funded scheme in which Blackburn and Darwen have linked up with the Czech city of Zlin and the Greek town of Evosmos.

The relationship between the borough and Zlin began several years ago when local business and council leaders visited the Czech town - home of the famous Bata shoe company - to help pass on experiences of partnerships between business and the community established locally under the Blackburn Partnership umbrella.

The four workers have been placed with Gleeson Homes, Campbell Driver Partnerships, Wolstenholme International and Whitbread plc for the trip organised by Enterprise Europe, a charity aimed at helping regenerate former Communist Bloc countries and encouraging young business people.

"It is nice to see the economic links established through our visits to Zlin further strengthened by this initiative," said Peter Robinson, chief executive of the Blackburn Partnership.

"I am very grateful to the host companies for the enthusiasm they have shown for the project and I am sure they and the visitors will benefit from the exchange."

An official reception will be held for the Czech visitors in the mayor's parlour at Blackburn Town Hall on Friday.

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