ROSSENDALE is to receive regeneration boost after the council was awarded a £5,000 grant from Lancashire County Developments Limited.

The cash will kick start a survey of land use in the borough by a team of students from Accrington and Rossendale College.

County Councillor Niki Penney, chairman of LCDL and Owen Williams, chief executive of Rossendale Borough Council, took time out to find out how students Richard Elliot, Gary Marlow and Isobel Barnes were progressing.

Councillor Penney said: "This is an excellent example of the way LCDL can help economic development right at grass root level." The survey will form part of the borough's economic development business plan, a vital part of any future applications for regeneration funding.

Mr Williams said: "We are in a real win-win situation with this project. Funding from LCDL has allowed us to offer local young people employment for their summer break and get a piece of work done that will help us attract regeneration money.

"I am sure this pilot will be a success and mark the start of a partnership between ourselves and LCDL that will bring great benefit to local people."