THE pioneering work of the Blackburn Partnership is set to be put on a national platform.

The Partnership, together with major East Lancashire employer Whitbread, is hosting a joint reception at the Labour Party conference in Blackpool this week.

Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw and Lord Taylor have invited influential MPs and ministers to the reception at the Stakis Hotel in the resort tomorrow.

Blackburn Council leader Malcolm Doherty and partnership representatives will be talking to guests about the work of the organisation which is seen as a pioneer in urban regeneration.

The Partnership was set just over ten years ago to bring together businesses, the voluntary sector, the local council, trade unions, residents and others together under one umbrella.

Since its launch it has helped attract hundreds of millions of pounds in the borough to fund major improvements through initiatives like City Challenge.

And it has played a major role in attracting firms to relocate to the area.

It is also behind initiatives such as the Employers' Forum which are helping improve disadvantaged parts of the borough and the Guardian Angel Scheme where experienced business people take a fledgling small businesses under their wing.

"We're looking forward to meeting prominent MPs at the reception and telling them about the work of Blackburn Partnership," said chief executive Peter Robinson.

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