THE woman who can fill a begging bowl with government cash is visiting Pendle today (Thursday) to see how the money could be spent.

Marianne Neville-Rolfe is the regional director of the Government Office in the north west.

Her three-hour visit will help her decide whether to support Pendle's attempt to get £12 million worth of investment in the area and which is aimed at getting the young a better chance in life.

Pendle Partnership chairman Dennis Mendoros said: "I firmly believe that Pendle Youth Focus is the most important project which Pendle Partnership has ever undertaken.

"Young people are the future of the borough. As a partership, we have a responsibility to make sure that they are able to use their talents to the full and make their contribution to the community."

If the bid is successful its work will extend over six years.

In all, it could help nearly 900 young people to find jobs, help 300 to improve their education and give vocational qualifications to more than 1,200 youngsters to improve their chances of getting training and work.

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