AN East Lancashire organisation has won EU praise for promoting and helping to create fairer workplaces.

Enterprise4All, Blakewater Road, Blackburn, has been highlighted as a UK example of what is being carried out to create a fairer and more equal society.

The company was recognised as part of its European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.

The not-for-profit organisation offers help for start-ups with business plans and loans, and advice for established companies who want to expand.

Main focus is to provide support, training and mentoring for women, disabled people and black, minority and ethnic groups in East Lancashire who have set up commercial enterprises.

The European Year of Equal Opportunities for All promotes the benefits of diversity across Europe and aims to make people aware of their rights to equal treatment and a life free of discrimination.

Khalid Saifullah, chief executive of Enterprise4All, said: "We believe the foundation of a unified and tolerant society means having a vibrant local economy.

"We aim to remove all barriers preventing businesses to start, grow and succeed,creating wealth and opportunities for all."

Trevor Phillips, chair of quality and Human Rights Commission, said: "Projects like this bring communities together and tackle issues faced by people encountering the greatest inequalities."