BLACKBURN with Darwen has been chosen to help pilot a Government scheme aimed at breathing new life into towns and cities.

It is one of just three boroughs in the North West - and 23 across the country - to take part in the renaissance programme.

The initiative, details of which are contained in a Government White Paper called Working with Towns and Cities, will focus on a range of regeneration projects.

A town hall spokesman said: "In Blackburn with Darwen, the programme will consider the success of major schemes such as the Town Centre Action Plan and the improvements made to the shopping centre, Boulevard and markets area, and the work in Darwen town centre. It will also look at future improve- ments."

The programme will involve a partnership of the 23 selected towns and cities - including Manchester and Liverpool - to reflect their characteristics and regional differences and consider what action is needed from both the Government and the individual boroughs.

The scheme will involve working with the partner towns and cities to look at a vision for the next 10 to 20 years and develop plans aimed at delivering results, the spokesman added.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Bill Taylor said: "This important project enhances our growing reputation as a leading player in piloting innovative schemes - a position confirmed by the fact that our North West partners in the scheme are the cities of Manchester and Liverpool."

He added: "This initiative is designed to address specific regeneration issues and the partnership with the other towns and cities is key to the success of the scheme."

The programme is run by the Government's Urban Policy Unit and headed by ministers Lord Falconer and Sally Keeble. A series of ministerial visits will be arranged over the next few months and Coun Taylor and Chief Executive Phil Watson will be visiting Lord Falconer to discuss the scheme on October 11.