COUNCILLOR Malcolm Doherty, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, has been elected chairman of East Lancashire Partnership.

The partnership brings together all key organisations in East Lancs to work together with private and voluntary sector partners.

The aim is to make the region a place with educational, employment, health and recreational facilities equal to the best in Europe.

Coun Doherty, a member of the partnership since it started in 1997, succeeds Coun George Slynn as head of the organisation.

He said: "I am very pleased to be appointed chairman of the East Lancashire Partnership and would like to thank George for his excellent contribution.

"His hard work and dedication made possible the formation of the organisation.

"One of the main issues facing the partnership over the next few months is the development of the new Training and Skills Council.

"We will be working hard to ensure the East Lancashire perspective features heavily in its development as I believe the partnership is the perfect body to lead that campaign."

Coun Doherty was first elected to the council 18 years ago and has been its leader for six.

He also chairs Blackburn Regeneration Partnership and is the council's representative on the Lancashire Police Authority.

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