POLISH firms are heading for Blackburn later this year as part of a major trade event.

Around 20 firms will be travelling to the Innovate 2000 event being staged at Ewood Park in November and organised by Blackburn with Darwen's International Business Centre.

The event will focus on new products, services and technology for the 21st Century.

Among the exhibitors there will be 20 Polish companies interested in technology transfer from the UK and other business opportunities.

Representatives of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Reggio Emilia, in the North East of Italy, will also attend on a mission to discover Lancashire.

A series of seminars will run throughout the day on issues of innovation and entrepreneurship in the famous Media Theatre, regular tours of the football ground will be organised throughout the day. A cyber caf will also be open to visitors and exhibitors.

A series of events are being staged to celebrate Polish Week (part of the Council's Millennium celebrations).

There will be representatives from the Polish region of Tarnow. The group of 50 members of the local community, ranging from farmers to gymnasts, will arrive in Blackburn on Sunday, November 4.