LIFE in Lancashire in 2023 was the subject of a think-tank involving community leaders from across the county.

Global warming, traffic congestion and political extremism were a few of the topics discussed at the conference at the Swallow Hotel, Samlesbury.

The event, organised by the Lancashire Partnership -- a body made up of the police, health service, local government, voluntary, private and public sectors -- attracted more than 130 delegates.

They took part in a series of workshops aimed at looking at life in Lancashire 20 years from now and how to make the county a better place in which to live.

The people of Lancashire will join the debate in a couple of months time, when they will be asked to tell the Lancashire Partnership how they see the future via a special website and free phoneline.

Key issues discussed at the conference included the future of the NHS, community safety, religion, jobs and old age.

Lancashire County Council chief executive Chris Trinick said: "Organisations from all areas of life in the county came together to sharpen their thinking on the future.

"This was the first step in what will become Lancashire's largest consultation event and the people that matter, the people of Lancashire, are soon to be invited to share their views and aspirations for the next twenty years.

"It's the first time in a long time that we have attempted to pull together a truly holistic long-term vision for the county, a vision of the future that seeks to integrate economic growth, social policy and environmental concerns.

"The Lancashire Partnership is looking twenty years into the future, well beyond the horizons of our current plans and strategies.

"The aim of the conference was to put together a long-term plan for Lancashire that will chart a path for the future."