A PIONEERING initiative to help prevent heart disease and promote healthier living in Pendle has been officially launched.

More than 150 people attended the ACTIVATE Pendle launch at the Northern Technologies Conference and Exhibition Centre, Netherfield Road, Nelson.

The scheme which has been funded by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust, is now ready to be rolled out into the borough.

David Peat, chief executive of the PCT said: "The incidence of heart disease in Pendle is among the highest in the country.

"We are therefore working with local people and other organisations such as Pendle Council, Lancashire County Council and Sure Start to help people, especially in the most deprived wards in the borough to reduce the chances of coronary heart disease.

"Among the topics we will be working with them on are helping people to stop smoking, eating more sensibly and appropriate physical activity.

"The key to better health is in all our hands and we need to work together for the benefit of us all."

Coun Mozaquir Ali, who is on the community development team, said: "The consultations have been really successful which we are pleased to announce. People in Pendle are keen to learn how to make their lives better by living healthier lifestyles. We have asked them what they want, they have told us and now we are ready to act on that information."