THOUSANDS of jobs have been created by a council scheme to give businesses in Blackburn with Darwen a helping hand.

At a meeting tomorrow councillors will be given an update on an Economic Development Plan for the borough.

The plan outlines ways in which the council helps business find land and premises, get grants for employment and environmental projects and gives investment support for Information Technology.

It also gives advice on new technology, recruitment and training.

A council report said: "Blackburn with Darwen is regarded as one of the leading local authorities in the country on economic development.

"The council established a One-Stop-Shop for business support as long ago as 1986, well before initiatives were promoted elsewhere.

"This was a single point within the council where all business related inquiries were dealt with. It also involved other partner agencies such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Enterprise Trust.

"The service has developed considerably since then and today the council provides a wide range of services that result each year in the creation or protection of more than 1,000 in the local economy."

Councillors are also due to be told about a series of new measures the council has launched to help small businesses in the borough.

These include a "Guardian Angels" project.