RESIDENTS in Blackburn and Darwen are being given a glimpse into the future with a new DVD film about the two towns.

The DVD has been put together by the Blackburn with Darwen Strategic Partnership and features film footage of the borough's industrial past as well as its future.

The disc was launched at Ewood Park yesterday and is now available to view at schools and in community centres.

Computer generated images of the planned Darwen Academy school, a four-lane bridge in Freckleton Street, Darwen's new health centre and new housing developments in the Infirmary area of Blackburn are featured on the disc.

Council bosses hope residents and school children will view the new DVD and tell the town hall what they think of various projects.

A spokesman said: "It is hoped the DVD will stimulate debate among the public about the future direction of change in the borough, explain what has been achieved so far and what the key challenges are for the future."

Council leader Sir Bill Taylor said: "Such is the rapid change taking place in the borough that it is important we use every means possible to explain what is happening and how local people will benefit from the work being done.

"This DVD will help local people see the level of change for themselves and give them an opportunity to let us have their views and suggestions."

Conservative group leader Coun Colin Rigby, said: "This is a ground-breaking project making use of new technology to explain the Partnership's plans for the future.

"I hope as many people as possible contact us requesting a copy and pass it to their friends and family so the message can be spread to as many people as possible."