VOLUNTARY groups and organisations are set to benefit from a £350,000 windfall thanks to the Blackburn Partnership's annual Christmas Challenge.

Businesses and organisations from across Lancashire gathered at Ewood Park, in Blackburn, yesterday to pledge their support to the 2003 campaign. And they vowed to raise the record amount and give something back to the community.

BAE Systems, Graham and Brown and sponsors Europrint joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen for the launch of the challenge. Peter Robinson, chief executive of the Blackburn Partnership, a group set up to bring together the public, private and voluntary sectors, thanked the assembled company representatives for their backing. He said: "If it wasn't for you we would not be here to celebrate. We are on track for a huge record, which is going to be around £350,000 this year."

Representatives were asked to put forward ideas on how to raise money for charity and community groups.