A MAJOR event to raise awareness of local opportunities for skills development has been held at Accrington and Rossendale College.

The Sandy Lane site of the college hosted 'Spotlight on Hyndburn' to bring together business people, students and advisory organisations to look at local opportunities for skills development and to find out how local businesses can benefit.

Experts from 23 organisations were on hand at the business advice exhibition to give free advice and information on opportunities for skills development and training as well as on business planning, finance and the full range of issues affecting small businesses in the Hyndburn area.

Among the exhibitors were Business Link East Lancashire, the Chamber of Commerce East Lancashire, East Lancashire Careers Service, Training 2000 and The Prince's Trust.

During the exhibition several of the exhibitors took the spotlight and gave a brief presentation outlining what they have to offer.

This event was one of a programme of Business Advice Nights designed to focus support for local enterprise on the target areas within the County Council's Social Inclusion Strategy - Building Better Communities. Similar events have also been held in Skelmersdale and Preston.

This was organised by Lancashire County Council in conjunction with Accrington, Church, and Great Harwood Partnership, and Hyndburn FIRST.

The event also included the opportunity to win a place on an Information Technology Course at Accrington and Rossendale College, a free meal for four at Traders Brasserie in The Globe Centre, an InkJet Colour Printer and a website design package.

Further information about 'Spotlight on Hyndburn' is available from Ann Weaver on 01772 264147 or by email ann.weaver@env.lancscc.gov.uk.