TOWN hall chiefs are keeping their fingers crossed as they bid for a share of a £13 million European handout.

The money has been allocated to the North West aimed at helping people in the region to adapt to the challenges of new technology and to re-train those facing redundancy.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council leader, Coun Malcolm Doherty, has been chosen to represent local authorities for the region, which includes Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and Cheshire.

His nomination, as one of the key figures who will help decide where the money should go, recognises his continuing involvement in European issues and strengthens the borough's position on European funding within the region.

Coun Doherty said: "I am delighted to have been nominated as one of two members representing the local authority sector for the whole of the North West.

"This is recognition of Blackburn with Darwen Council's leading role in European and regeneration matters generally."

The area will now compete with the rest of the North West districts for a slice of the money.

Blackburn with Darwen will include provision for its lifelong learning programme and a number of Blackburn College projects as part of its bid.

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