PIONEERING 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' style technology is being used to allow people to have their say at a Lancashire Police community meeting.

People are being urged by police under Chief Constable Paul Stephenson to get their fastest finger ready to use the new 'Ask the audience kit' at tonight's meeting.

The £28,000 kit has been bought to help engage young people in policing issues while ensuring residents are able to express their opinions with discretion. Residents of Rossendale will be the first to test the kit and it will then be used at all future meetings throughout East Lancashire.

The personal handsets allow people to answer questions about where police should be concentrating their efforts and identify what resources they are prepared to pay for.

Responses will be used to determine priorities for the next year.

The system can offer people up to eight choices when they answer.

One of the questions people will be asked is: Under the objective to reassure the public, rank in order of importance your top three priorities -- police being more accessible and visible; alcohol related and other anti-social behaviour; offenders brought to justice; public safety and security; road safety and support to victims and witnesses.

Naomi Walker, communications manager for Lancashire Police Authority, said: "The great thing about the kit is its uniqueness in enabling the audience to vote independently in a group situation.

"People are then able to see what everyone else thinks. The kit is a fantastic resource for the authority as it appeals to all ages, is easy to use and makes best use of technology. Each vote is totally confidential."

The event will also feature presentations and discussion workshops.

The meeting is being held at Horncliffe Mansions, Bury Road, Rawtenstall, and starts at 5.30pm.