COMMUNITY groups across East Lancashire are set to prosper thanks to a new initiative which is being backed by a Rossendale firm.

The scheme, called Action for Community Enterprise, has been developed to help social enterprise, community, voluntary, faith and not-for-profit bodies become more self-sufficient.

The programme includes free consultancy and training is being run by Bacup Road-based Kingfisher Consultants Limited in partnership with Community Action in Rossendale.

But it is the idea of region-wide business help group Business Link - which means organisations from across the area will be able to take advantage of the initiative.

Martyn Willcock, of Kingfisher, said: "Up until now community groups have been left to fend for themselves and have never had anywhere to turn for advice on the myriad issues they face.

"Action for Community Enterprise has been specifically designed to help these groups become more effective in areas like income generation, promotion and staff development. It will also look at working methods and new technology."

Action for Community Enterprise will take the form of six workshops run by Kingfisher. The short courses will look at planning, grant funding, financial planning, managing, technology and promotion services. Experienced consultants will also work one-to-one with the groups.

The programme is due to start on October 24. For more information contact 01706 606000.