BRITAIN'S next big internet success story could come out of Pendle's new Innovation Centre.

The £1million state-of-the-art complex, Brook Street, Nelson, is being opened by internet entrepreneur David Atherton later this month and has already attracted six high tech businesses.

Mr Atherton is behind dabs.com which sells computer equipment and is one of Britain's fastest growing online companies. And Pendle Innovation Centre manager Mark Roberts is hoping a little of Mr Atherton's success will rub off on the centre's tenants.

He said: "It's just the kind of facility Pendle needs to encourage technology based companies to set up or move to the area.

"This is a great place to be for a modern growing business and maybe we will get the next dabs.com."

Regeneration grants from the North West Development Agency, Pendle Council and the European Regional Development Fund have been used to transform the former Kwik Save store into a centre for 16 businesses with support services for burgeoning companies.

The centre offers low overheads, a high tech communication system, conference centre and internet connection. It is aimed at internet-based businesses, call centres and knowledge-based companies employing graduate staff - to keep high-flying university graduates in the borough.

Mr Roberts said: "There was a survey of businesses in the area which identified a lack of high tech companies in Pendle. One of the things people said was the facilities are not there to use.

"They were looking at a lot of old mills, there wasn't a new office environment with internet connection and companies were going elsewhere.

"We are looking for companies with the potential to grow and expand.

"It may be a someone working from home who is looking to move and can expand in our centre."