Residents of an East Lancashire town are being asked to give their views on how £20 million of government money should be spent to boost it.

There will be three in-person events to consult on the Long Term Plan for Darwen, which is is just one of 55 towns nationally to benefit from the new 10-year programme, part of the government’s Levelling Up plans.

To help inform the board’s proposals, which must be submitted to Whitehall, residents have been invited to have their say.

This will include a chance to offer feedback online and in person at a range of events being led by Deco Publique, the organisation behind the National Festival of Making.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council's Martin Kelly has given details of how the consultation will work.

There will be three 'in person' events; a two-hour workshop from 6.30pm till 8.30pm on Thursday, June 13, at Darwen Cricket Club for which places have to be booked, and two 'drop in' sessions from 9am to 4.30pm at Darwen Market Hall on Friday, June 14, and Saturday 15.

There is also an online survey people who cannot attend in person can fill in.

Mr Kelly, said: “We are determined to get this right for the town.

“We want to make the most of this new funding and spend it on making changes to things that really matter to residents, community groups and businesses.

“The board is a mix of members who all have strong links to the town, but we also want our work to be informed by the views of people who are proud to call Darwen home.

“We’re trying to reach as many people as possible.

"As well as the events, we’ll be working with groups of younger people, older people and reaching out to those members of the community who may not typically take part in something like this.

“Deco Publique are helping and they’ll make the sessions fun and interactive, while getting the very most out of each one to help inform the investment plan.

“We have to submit our plan to government by August 1 so we hope to see lots of residents at the events.

“We’ve also been running a project portal too for people with specific project ideas. The deadline for that is June 10.”

The long-term plan is in addition to the Darwen Town Deal worth more than £100m.