DARWEN Arts Learning Forum has been launched to promote learning through the performing arts.

It is a collaboration of both the Education and Lifelong Learning Department and the Cultural, Leisure and Sport Services at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Lead officers involved are Rob Nash, manager of Learning Through the Performing Arts, and Rob Howell, principal arts officer.

Barry Hepton, education officer for North West Arts, was speaker at the launch and local schools and dance groups took to the stage.

A presentation about the arts was given by pupils of Wensley Fold CE Primary School, with Chris May, a local professional artist, as guest.