PLANS have been drawn up for a £500,000 ecology centre in a rural area of Burnley.

Supporters of the proposed residential centre, at Green Clough Wood and Berril's Wood, Cliviger, claim it would be a valuable resource for schools in the area and would provide a much needed boost for tourism.

The ecology centre, has been proposed by local businessman Nick Hennessey, who runs Burnley estate agents, The Best Offer, in Hollingreave Road.

Mr Hennessey says he already has the support of the Lancashire Rural Futures Group, which assists rural businesses and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

The scheme comprises a 16-acre development of a residential centre for up to 30 schoolchildren for stays of up to three days to study the local flora and fauna.

The centre could also be used for a variety of outdoor pursuits like walking, fishing and canoeing, both for schoolchildren and adults.

The proposals, which have gone before Burnley Borough Council's planning department, are likely to cost between £300,000-£500,000 and would be paid for from grants and private investment.

Mr Hennessey said: "This is a unique opportunity to make use of this fantastic area of natural beauty which has got so much wildlife and plant life which can be studied and enjoyed. It's an exciting project because of what the centre will be able to offer, but also for the benefits it should bring in terms of bringing trade and tourism to the area."

John Wellbank, project manager for Lancashire Rural Futures, based in Clitheroe, said: "It is very early days for this proposal but we have been helping out with the planning and, further down the line, would be looking to sort out some grant assistance."