A BUSINESS mentoring scheme in East Lancashire has helped back 1,500 jobs in the area since it was launched.

And guests at the Guardian Angel awards ceremony heard that it was equivalant to knocking more than one per cent off the unemployment rate across East Lancashire.

The scheme matches experienced business managers with growing young businesses. The aim is to give fledgling entrepreneurs an independent 'sounding board' who can pass on practical advice and common sense business experience.

The Guardian Angel scheme was launched under the wing of Blackburn Partnership and has since been extended throughout East Lancashire backed by funding from ELTEC.

And guests at the ceremony, staged at the County Hotel, heard that since it was launched almost £1 million of private sector input had been achieved. This year 72 'marriages' had been created and have helped 75 people into jobs with a further 420 preserved.

And the winning 'marriage' was judged to be that of Chris Heys and Mike Ellacott.

Chris runs Blackburn-based advertising and design business The Painted Word, which employs six people and his Guardian Angel Mike works as a senior sales manager for ICI Acrylics in Darwen.

Mike, who has four 'cherubs' under the scheme, revealed that the relationship hadn't only helped Chris's business to prosper.

"Chris has been a great person to work with and his firm have helped ICI Acryclics by developing the publicity for a new product we have been working on," he said.

And Chris said Mike's involvement has had a major impact.

"Mike has really helped me turn the business around."

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