AN initiative to bring culture within the reach of Burnley people was due to be officially launched today.

Burnley Council has been working on a new strategy after the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said it expected all local authorities to prepare a document.

It follows recommendations in the Task Force report into the Riots that the cultural diversity of Burnley needed to be recognised and valued more.

The initiative aims to promote cultural well-being and to provide a clear rationale as to why the council funds, manages, supports, encourages or regulates certain services and activities in the town.

Benefits of the strategy should include focusing on the cultural needs, demands and aspirations of local communities to ensure quality and access for everyone.

The strategy will cover art, sport, libraries, museums, heritage, archives, architecture, crafts, children's play, reading, parks, tourism and countryside recreation. Other activities such as entertainments, design, fashion, food, media and visiting attractions could also be included.

The estimated cost of publication of the Cultural Strategy document is somewhere in the region of £3,000.

The document was due to be unveiled at a launch at Burnley Mechanics Theatre after approval at last night's full council meeting.