BLACKPOOL Challenge Partnership has got a pat on the back and a cash gift of £2.25m to continue regeneration in the community.

BCP has been awarded Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) accreditation thanks to its hard work in tackling local crime, health, housing, employment and education problems in the area.

Regeneration minister Lord Falconer announced that LSPs in various parts of Lancashire have been working hard to develop inclusive and effective partnerships to tackle long standing deprivation in England's poorest communities.

Blackpool's recent accreditation is part of a total of £6.8 million allocated for the period 2001-4.

Leader of Blackpool Borough Council, Roy Fisher said: "We are delighted at the news that we have been accredited as a Local Strategic Partnership. While we are grateful for this assessment, I would like to think that this recognition for the Partnership is well deserved.

"Blackpool Challenge Partnership has been hard at work in the community for many years and has already achieved a tremendous amount.

"The accreditation will ensure we continue delivering our regeneration strategy especially in the more deprived areas of the town, continuing to improve the conditions and opportunities for the people who live here."

The accreditation follows a process of self assessment by the LSPs, confirmed by Government offices and key local stakeholders.

Lord Falconer said: "LSP accreditation is only the first stage in reaching our goal of delivering better local services in neighbourhoods. Partnerships have further work to do to ensure they are more effective, inclusive and able to deliver neighbourhood renewal in their communities.

"The real work of making the difference has just begun. Next year Partnerships will need to demonstrate that they have made progress and tackled their weaknesses."