A MAJOR debate on innovation and entrepreneurship is being staged in East Lancashire next month.

The event, being staged at Northern Technologies in Nelson on May 9, is being held as part of the DTI's Celebration 2000 week which aims to promote British industry

A panel of guests including Phil Burgess, chief executive of Business Link East Lancashire and Michael Taylor, editor of North West Business Insider, will debate with an audience of around 100 from the local business community.

And film-maker Lord Puttnam will join in the debate live via satellite from the National Museum of Film and Television.

There is also an exhibition of innovation during the day which local schools and colleges are being invited to attend.