ROSSENDALE entrepreneurs are to be taught a new skill to win over new clients.

Bosses will now get lessons in flirting from a renowned expert.

The unusual approach to winning new customers will be at the launch of Rossendale Valley's first Business Club.

Elizabeth Clark, of Morcambe-based Rapport Unlimited, specialises in flirt coaching and speed dating and has won an army of admirers for her radical approach to communication.

She will be the guest speaker at the Valley At Work event to more than 100 of the area's leading firms at St Mary's Chambers, in Rawtenstall, on Friday.

Organiser Chris Browne, of Top of the Valley which was set up to help support businesses in the OL13 postcode, said: "We are delighted to have a speaker of Elizabeth's calibre to launch this event. This is a new venture but the aim is to establish a series of networking events for Rossendale's business.

"The response we have had so far has been extremely encouraging.

"We have received backing from major employers like J and J Ormerod and The Hurstwood Group, and we have sold all the sponsorship slots. There has also been plenty of interest from smaller companies, too."

For details, contact Chris Browne at Top of the Valley on 01706 877000 or Vickie Hood at Precision Events on 07709 365127.