INVENTORS are being given the chance to turn their ideas into reality - and boost the region's economy.

Blackburn Central Library is home to a new inventors' resource point, which will help people to find out how to take their ideas forward.

And business leaders are backing the move. Roger Gibson, business manager for East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The inventors' information point is carrying on the great tradition of inventing in our region.

"It will be vital for the local economy as local entrepreneurs will have the facilities and the support to develop their ideas in East Lancashire, instead of having to take them out of the area, as has happened in the past.

"The support that can be offered in the early stages of an idea is invaluable and if business can begin and remain in East Lancashire, the economy can only benefit."

East Lancashire has a prestigious inventing past, reaching as far back as 1764, when James Hargreaves, from Stanhill, invented The Spinning Jenny.

Terylene, one of the very first man made fibres, was developed in Accrington. After winning The Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Business of the Year Award in 2002, Blackburn company Promethean invented an interactive whiteboard to be used in education.

Their invention went on to beat a number of competing educational products to win the international Worlddidac Award.

Another former Lancashire Evening Telegraph business of the year, K2 Glass, invented a revolutionary glass that keeps conservatories cool in summer and warm in winter.

The glass, called Celsius, reflects three times the amount of heat in summer, retains 50 per cent more heat in winter, reduces noise by 100 per cent and thanks to a unique coating virtually cleans itself.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's director of culture, leisure and support, Steve Rigby, said: "Historically, the borough has spawned many inventions that have helped to change the face of industry.

"This is a fantastic new resource and I would encourage anyone who is walking around wondering whether their idea is feasible to come in and find out more."

The service, which draws on a vast collection of books, a search database and various information leaflets, also offers a patent clinic with free advice on patents, designs, trade marks and copyright with general business information.