ORGANISATIONS in Bacup have come together to work out what they can offer to the people of the town.

Representatives from groups including Top of the Valley, the Bacup and Stacksteads Partnership, the Chamber of Trade, Sure Start, police, the council and Accrington and Rossendale College held an informal meeting to discuss what they could offer.

Chris Brown of the Top of the Valley project, formed to help businesses in Bacup and Stacksteads, said: "Each organisation has something to offer to people in the town.

"We already work hand in hand on many issues but we all believe it is important to understand the work of other groups.

"The meeting was very relaxed and informal. It was simply a 'get to know you' session but it was invaluable because I think everybody learned something from it and that will be useful for our respective clients."