A NEW group is set to be launched to help East Lancashire's arts and crafts businesses prosper.

East Lancashire Cultural Industries Development has been formed to fly the flag for one of the area's fastest growing industries.

The new group aims to cover areas such as performing arts, crafts, design, fashion, publishing, broadcasting and film businesses.

It aims to promote the industry throughout the world by encouraging business to work together on projects such on marketing campaigns. It will also try and foster stronger links between companies and business support agencies.

"East Lancashire is an excellent environment for creative people and creative businesses," said Nick Hunt, director of Mid Pennine Arts.

"ELCID is just what we need to nurture the ones we have to attract others to help expand the creative sector in the future."

ELCID has been formed by the six borough councils and six Enterprise Trusts in East Lancashire. It is backed by the North West Arts Board together with Lancashire County Council and receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

"Creative industries create substantially to the country's economic and social infrastructure," said Ben Clark, project officer for ELCID.

"The challenge now is to maximise the potential in East Lancashire."

The official launch of ELCID takes place at the North Cafe Bar, Town Hall Street, Blackburn on November 2.

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