MORE than 50 local business leaders met at Accrington Stanley Football Club to make a difference for the next generation.

The meeting, which took place as part of the 'Amazing Accrington' scheme, which saw local business owners giving their time to hear an address from Andy Holt, owner of Accrington Stanley Football club.

The aim was to celebrate and promote businesses and achievements in the area to encourage future generations in Hyndburn.

Mr Holt said: "Eighteen months ago everyone was suspicious, no one trusted me and no one wanted to change. Whilst a football club is a business, it is a very different sort of business.

"what we are doing is building a great community club at a pace on and off the pitch, it's just like Amazing Accrington - somebody needs to do something."

Topics discussed included the Huncoat Housing Zone, the Frontier Park Employment Zone, and the success of the likes of Business Cloud magazine and Scott Dawson advertising.

Cabinet member for Housing and Regeneration on Hyndburn Council, Cllr Clare Cleary, also made a speech as part of a a drive to promote all that is positive in the town.

She said: "This is a fantastic event, a good sounding board for ideas and a forum to discuss how the business leaders can help Accrington flourish."