A LAST-MINUTE check is being urged for Lancashire businesses to make sure they are ready for the new millennium.

The Action 2000 organisation has published a series of survival check lists to help firms make it through the New Year.

"The Millennium date change is very nearly upon us and all those months of preparations are soon to be put to the test," said Gwynneth Flower of Action 2000.

"It would be a shame if all that good work was undermined. Businesses should make use of these final checklists as a belt and braces approach then they can relax and enjoy a happy bug free New Year."

There are also last minute tips for businesses which have not yet done anything about the Millennium Bug, including the backing up key business data off computers and keeping a printed copy of vital information.

Checks for after the New Year included watching out for suspicious e-mails that might have been sent over the holiday period and could contain viruses.

The checklists are available by contacting 0845 601 2000.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.