REPRESENTATIVES from the Nigerian government have visited Burnley and Pendle to examine the district's regeneration projects.

The Mayor of Burnley, Peter McCann, Council leader Gordon Birtwistle and Councillor Jeff Sumner, the council's member for customer access and community engagement, held a question and answer session with the group on Monday.

Today the delegation were welcomed at Nelson Town Hall before being taken to see some of Pendle's regeneration projects.

Coun Birtwistle, said: "It was a really good experience. Burnley is on the up and is developing a positive reputation in the areas of regeneration and community relations; this is something we are proud of and are glad to share it with other places so they can learn from our experiences.

"I am sure our guests will receive a welcome no matter where they travel throughout the country, but I hope our welcome will be remembered, as Burnley people are renowned for showing the hand of friendship to all who come here."

Alan Davies, Leader of Pendle Council, said: "It's great that people are coming half way round the world to see what we are doing here in Pendle.

"It shows that Pendle is being noticed on a much wider scale.

"I'm not sure how the delegation will adapt to the weather here in England.

"It's bound to be a bit of a shock coming from Nigeria where the temperature is currently 35C"

The itinerary for the day included a trip to the equestrian centre in Fence, a talk on the Witches trail, and a visit to Rolls Royce.

Chief Onyeabo, who is leading the delegation, said: "We were very happy to visit Burnley and were very warmly welcomed by the charming Mayor, leader and team, despite the cold weather. We will take away a lot of learning from Burnley to take back to Nigeria."

The visit was part of the Nigerian Government's Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project that is working to strengthen the way government works in a country that has 135 million people and one of the world's fastest-growing economies.