STUDENTS from across East Lancashire were among 500 young people, aged 14-25, taking part in a major business conference.

The first ever Institute of Directors North West Conference for Directors of Tomorrow involved pupils from Darwen Vale High School, Darwen; Edge End High School, Nelson; Ivy Bank Business Enterprise College, Burnley; and Witton Park High School, Blackburn.

Anthony Wilson, Founder of Factory Records, chaired the event which featured a panel of successful leading entrepreneurs who shared their inspirational stories with the students.

Laura Wolfe, regional director of IoD North West, said: "There was no shortage of questions for the panel."