THE drive to combat social exclusion and improve social and economic prospects took another step forward when Burnley and Lancashire county councils linked to host a "Building Better Communities" conference at Turf Moor.

Deputy county council leader Frank McKenna joined Burnley council leader Stuart Caddy at the event.

Guest speakers included Kim Jessop from the regional co-ordination unit of the Department of Education and Employment; Vanessa Champion from St Martin's College and Jennifer Martinez from Lancashire County Council.