EUROPE is now having a major influence on East Lancashire's economy, a conference was told.

The East Lancashire Economic Development Partnership is made up of public, private and voluntary sectors.

It organised the event at Ewood Park with speakers including Euro MPs Michael Hindley and Mark Hendrick.

"Whatever your view of Europe there is no doubt that it is now having an everyday effect on our lives," said Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"We have, for example, identified 102 separate European-funded support measures for business and education in East Lancashire. If we wish to bid, it is vital that we understand how these work."

The next event in the series will feature a director from the EC and is to be held on June 21. Further information is available from the Chamber on 388400.

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