SENIOR members of Blackburn's Indian community met a high-level diplomat to encourage more investment into East Lancashire.

Vicki Treadell, the new British Deputy High Commissioner for western India, visited Bangor Street Community Centre, Blackburn, as she prepares to move to Mumbai next month.

Ibrahim Master, general secretary of local group the Indian Workers' Association, said they lobbied her to encourage Indian businesses to invest more in East Lancashire when she starts her job.

She was also asked to see if the efficiency of the visa office in Mumbai could be improved, before she was taken on a tour of Blackburn town hall to meet councillors.

l Left, Vicki Treadell signs the visitors book at the mayor's parlour in Blackburn Town Hall, watched by Ibrahim Master, Coun Suleman Khonat, deputy mayor Coun Dorothy Walsh, Coun Abdul Patel and Coun Akhtar Hussain